A fare can look like a bargain on screen and turn out costly once you are travelling. Running through these five questions before you pay takes a couple of minutes and can save a great deal of frustration.
1. What does this ticket include?
Check whether a cabin bag, a checked bag and seat selection are part of the price. Two fares that look identical can differ by a surprising amount once the extras are added.
2. What happens if my plans change?
Read the change and refund conditions. Some tickets can be moved for a modest fee, while others lose all their value the moment you cannot travel.
3. Is the connection realistic?
Look at the time between flights and whether you need to change terminal or pass through border control. A short gap that works on paper can be stressful in practice.
4. When do I land, really?
A very late arrival may mean an expensive taxi or an extra hotel night. A slightly dearer flight that lands in daylight can work out cheaper overall.
5. Do my documents match the booking?
Names must match each passport exactly, and every traveller needs the right visas or entry permits for the whole route, including any stopover country.
If you would like a second opinion on a fare before you commit, send us the details and a planner will look it over.