Booking flights can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re flying long distances or booking a flight with a layover for the first time. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Here’s everything you need to know to find the cheapest flight deals, book smartly, and navigate layovers like a pro.
1. How to Find the Cheapest Flights
Finding affordable flights doesn’t have to be a headache. Follow these tips to save money on your next journey:
Best Websites to Search for Flights:
- Google Flights: Great for comparing prices across multiple airlines and spotting price trends.
- Skyscanner: Perfect for flexible travelers who want to see the cheapest destinations and dates across a month or a period of time.
- Momondo: A great tool for finding hidden deals and cheaper routes.
- Hopper: Tracks flight prices and predicts the best time to book.
- Kiwi.com: Offers unique routing options for ultra-budget travelers.
Booking Tips:
- Be Flexible: Adjusting your travel dates by a few days can make a big difference in price. Use tools like Google Flights’ calendar view to find the cheapest days to fly.
- Set Price Alerts: Many websites like Skyscanner and Hopper allow you to set alerts, so you’ll get notified when flight prices drop.
- Book Early: For international flights, aim to book 2–6 months in advance for the best prices.
- Avoid Peak Times: Flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) is often cheaper than weekends. Avoid public holidays and major events.
Hidden Gems:
- Check nearby airports for cheaper deals.
- Use incognito mode when searching for flights to avoid dynamic pricing.
- Take into account the extra time and travel costs of flying from a cheaper airport- it might not always be worth it, especially if you need to pay for a hotel the night before.
- Try and fly in the evening to give you plenty of time to get to the airport. Early morning flights usually mean no public transport, so you’ll have to go the night before and stay in a hotel which just adds to the cost.
2. The Do’s and Don’ts of Booking Flights
Booking your flight is a critical step in your travel journey. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
Do’s:
- Double-Check Your Details: Ensure your name matches your passport exactly. Airlines are strict about this!
- Research Baggage Policies: Low-cost airlines often charge extra for checked luggage—factor this into your budget. Large airlines (such as Emirates) are now also checking your baggage allowance, so don’t go over!
- Read Cancellation Policies: Look for flights with free changes or cancellations, especially if your plans aren’t set in stone.
- Opt for Layovers Wisely: Layovers can save you money, but longer layovers can be exhausting. Aim for layovers of 2–4 hours for a good balance.
Don’ts:
- Don’t Stress about Travel Insurance: Its advertised that it will protect yourself from unexpected delays or cancellations. However, the airline will have to offer you compensation and/ or a new flight if the flight is delayed by too many hours or cancelled. Also, if you do “lose” your luggage, the airline can almost always track it and get it back to you- you might just have to wait a few days!
- Don’t Rely on the Cheapest Ticket Alone: Budget airlines can have hidden fees, so compare the total cost of your flight.
- Don’t Forget to Check Visa Requirements: Some layover countries may require transit visas. Make sure you check this!
3. Navigating Layovers: What You Need to Know
Flying with a layover for the first time? Here’s a step-by-step guide to make it stress-free.
What Happens During a Layover? A layover is a stop at an intermediate airport before reaching your final destination. You’ll likely change planes, but your luggage will usually be transferred automatically if you’re flying on the same airline or within the same alliance. Always confirm this when you check in.
What to Do During a Layover:
- Follow the Signs: Once you land, look for signs that say “Transfers” or “Connecting Flights.” These will guide you to the right terminal or gate. There’s usually a large screen, like there was when you checked in for your first flight.
- Check Your Boarding Pass: Sometimes, you’ll receive boarding passes for all flights at check-in. If not, go to the transfer desk at the layover airport to collect it. If you’re not sure of your exact flight time, just find the right city and flight number on the screen.
- Explore the Airport: If you have a long layover, many airports have great amenities like lounges, shopping, or even spa services. Some even offer free city tours for long layovers and some have free spots where you can take a nap!
- Stay Close: Always stay near your gate as boarding usually starts 30–60 minutes before departure.
What Happens If Your First Flight is Delayed? If your initial flight is delayed and you miss your connecting flight, don’t panic. Airlines are responsible for rebooking you on the next available flight. Simply head to the airline’s customer service desk at the airport—they’ll assist you. If there’s a long wait, you usually get some sort of compensation from the airline.
4. When to Book and Travel Smart
Timing is everything when booking flights. Here are some quick tips:
- Best Time to Book: For international flights, book 2–6 months in advance. The best deals are often available on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
- Best Time to Fly: Early morning or late-night flights tend to be cheaper and less crowded.
- Off-Peak Seasons: Traveling during off-peak times (like April or September) can save you money and avoid crowds.
5. Landing Smoothly at Your Destination
Whether it’s your final destination or a layover stop, here’s what to do after you land:
- Immigration & Customs: If it’s your final destination, you’ll need to go through immigration and customs. Have your documents ready, including your passport, visa, and address of your accommodation.
- Pick Up Your Luggage: If it’s your final stop, grab your luggage from the baggage claim. If it’s a layover, your luggage will likely be transferred automatically.
- Find Transportation:Don’t stress! When coming with Teacher’s Friend, we will pick you up from the airport and take you to where you need to be! If coming alone, look up the local transport apps to see if you can use them to get from the airport (e.g. Grab/ Uber etc) to avoid being scammed by the taxi drivers. You could also find out if your accomodation offers transfers or has recommendations.
6. Final Tips for Smooth Flying
- Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before an international flight.
- Keep essential items like passports, boarding passes, and chargers in your carry-on bag.Pack anything you might want for a few days if your main bag does go missing! (I made this mistake once when going to Madagascar and had to wear the same clothes for 3 days!) I did get my bags back though…
- Pack a travel pillow, snacks, and a good book for longer flights.
Teaching abroad starts with getting on the plane, and with these tips, you’ll be ready to book smarter, travel cheaper, and navigate every step of the way with confidence.
Your adventure is just a flight away! ✈️
