Plan ahead

Not all the seats on the plane sell for the same fare. There a lot of different fare types with specific rules and regulations. The cheapest seats usually sell out very quickly. Some published fares differ by advance purchase restriction. Tickets with 21-day advance purchase are usually the least expensive. The most expensive are with no advance purchase. For peak travel dates (Christmas, New Years Day, Thanksgiving, Easter, Labor Day etc.), buy tickets few months in advance.

For international travel, traveling on weekends usually cost more than Mondays-Thursdays. For domestic, least expensive days to travel are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.


Check travel documents

Always make sure your passport is valid. Some countries require that passport be valid at least 6 months after your arrival. If you never traveled abroad, plan to apply for passport soon.
Always check with the travel agent and the embassy/consulate of the country you are about to visit, if you need entry visa. Travel agent and airlines are not responsible for your passport and visas. Airport staff has the right to deny you boarding if travel documents are not complete. That will only delay your travel and expose you to additional rebooking fees. Infants under 2 years old should have a valid passport too if traveling overseas. Otherwise, always have copy of birth certificate handy at check-ins.


Seat assignment

Always ask for seats in advance. This is especially important when airlines overbook their flight during peak season. Then, passengers with seat assignment are the last to be bumped out. Travel agent will do everything possible to accommodate you. Do not ask for emergency exit seats since they are most of time blocked for check-in only or kept for VIP frequent flyers. Bulkhead seats are for passengers with infants. Travel agent will ask for bassinet if your infant is under 6 months old although they are not guaranteed to confirm.


Baggage

International limit is 2 pieces for checked and 1 piece for carry-on.
Checked baggage may weight maximum 50lb (23kg) per piece. Each piece volume may not exceed 62 inches (158cm) as sum of the three dimensions length + height + width.
1 piece of cabin baggage may weight maximum 18 lb (8kg) and dimensions maximum 45inches (115cm). We recommend you to check with airline for additional baggage regulations.


Reconfirm flights

Airlines reserve rights to change the schedules and/or cancel flights. Please call the airline 3 days prior to your flight and check departure times. Leave your contact phone number so they may find you if any last minute change occurs.


Check-in early

Please arrive at the airport 3 hours prior international departure (90 minutes prior to domestic) due new security measures. Check-in counters close 60 minutes prior international departure.


Overbooking

This is common problem with all airlines during peak dates. Airlines calculate how many ticketed passengers will not show up and they sell more. If all passengers show up it causes chaos since everyone has confirmed ticket. Passengers who do have seat assignment and show up early have the advantage. Airline should then ask for volunteers to let go their seats for some compensation. Everyone denied is responsibility of the airline that is supposed to arrange substitute transportation.


Frequent fliers

Like the name says, airlines reward passengers who travel often. Do not expect much if you travel occasionally or if you constantly change airlines looking for best deals. Joining frequent flier clubs doesn't’t cost anything. Try to open accounts with airlines that serve your destinations. Do not open accounts with all of them. Airlines partner with each other and share their programs. For example, do not join Lufthansa’s club if you are member of United already. Please tell your frequent flier numbers when making reservations. You will be awarded miles only if you travel, not if you buy for someone else. Always keep copies of the tickets and boarding passes. That would be the only proof of travel if airline fails to credit your account. Travel agent does not keep all the copies and may charge you service fee for additional work done.


Invoices

Itinerary that accompanies the ticket is your invoice. Keep that and the passenger coupon of the ticket for tax return purposes. Agency will charge fee to retrieve old information. If you need separate invoice, please let us know when you pay for the ticket.


Travel insurance

We strongly recommend you to protect your travel investment. An unforeseen accident or illness can ruin a trip. Missing a vacation is bad enough. Losing the money you paid for your vacation is even worse.