Booking flights to the USA.
Tips to help you get the best flight price.
Here are a few tips to be aware of when booking flights - picked up from years of working* in the airline industry.
*No, I can’t get you an upgrade!
What is the cheapest time of year to fly?
Typically, there are three main travel seasons to be aware of when booking your flights. Unsurprisingly, the season you travel will affect the price you pay.
Peak season, $$$ - Travel to the USA peaks over summer and Easter and is highly likely to be the most expensive time to fly (in addition to Christmas).
As a result, peak season travel dates are unlikely to be included in a sale.
Shoulder season, $$ - Months that fall just outside of the peak summer months are less expensive and may be included in a sale.
Off peak, $ - The cheapest time to fly is during the low season (aka off peak).
Typically, the lowest fare that is advertised for a sale will be valid for travel during low season.
Low season is the period outside of peak and shoulder season (e.g. travel to the USA over January to February and November).
Which US cities have the lowest airfares?
Busy and popular airports that are served by multiple airlines are likely to have the lowest flight prices.
Airlines compete on price, so if there is a lot of competition on a route you are likely to get a lower airfare.
In addition, you are more likely to find a sale fare where a large number of airlines fly to the same airport - e.g. if one airline launches a sale, competing airlines tend to follow.
Busy airports in the USA include Atlanta (ATL), Los Angeles (LAX) and New York (JFK).
Book a connecting flight > if your final destination is a small or remote airport, it may be cheaper to book a separate connecting flight, in addition to your international flight.
How can I book a sale airfare?
Sign up to receive emails from your preferred airline and be the first to know when a sale launches.
In the UK, airlines typically launch a sale at the same time every year and they can last anywhere from a few days to 4-6 weeks.
Late Dec - end of January > this is the big sale period for the travel industry. Airlines go head-to-head with each other with sale messaging, resulting in a great time to find a deal (low season travel periods are likely to be the lowest fare advertised).
November > Black Friday/Cyber Monday flight deals are becoming more popular in the UK, with airlines running a flash sale or promotion over this period.
Top 10 most popular US airports.
Book competitive fares by flying into the busiest international airports (ranked by passenger traffic).
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta (ATL) - 150 domestic connections
Los Angeles (LAX) - gateway to California
Chicago O’Hare (ORD) - gateway to the Midwest
Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) - over 190 domestic connections
Denver (DEN) - over 180 domestic connections
John F. Kennedy (JFK) - busiest international gateway to the USA
San Francisco (SFO) - major gateway for Europe and Asia
Las Vegas McCarran (LAS) - LAS to LAX is top route flown
Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) - fastest growing airport
Charlotte Douglas (CLT)
Airfare FAQ’s.
Why is a sale never available for the travel dates I want?
Travel seasons will impact the likelihood of your travel dates being included/not included in a sale.
Off peak, $ - Typically the lead-in fare for a sale (e.g lowest fare available), low season is the best opportunity to find a cheap flight.
Shoulder season, $$ - Months that fall just outside of the peak summer months are less expensive and may be included in a sale (only in the event that there are a lot of seats available).
Peak season, $$$ - Travel to the USA peaks over summer and Easter and is likely to be the most expensive time to fly (in addition to Christmas).
You guessed it - flights over this period are highly unlikely to be included in a sale.
Is it better to book with an airline or a Travel Agent?
There are benefits to both - it comes down to personal preference and confidence in booking your own international flights.
The main benefit of booking direct with an airline is that in the event of a disruption or cancellation, you will deal directly with the airline (not the Travel Agent).
Booking your flight via a Travel Agent means that you won’t be able to resolve any issues that arise directly with the airline (as the fare you paid is held with the agent).
On the flip side, Travel Agents are highly experienced in finding you the best deal possible and can assist with more complicated booking itineraries.
Should I book my flight last minute or ahead?
Book in advance. Last minute flights are typically more expensive.
If you are planning ahead and know when you want to fly, try not to leave it too late to book your flight as the price is only going one way the later you leave it.
It may be cheaper to fly mid-week, as flights are typically cheaper mid week vs. travelling at the weekend (e.g. Tuesday is a great day to fly for lower fares).
Check flight prices via flight comparison websites.
Discover which airlines fly to your destination and get an idea of return flight prices.
Flight comparison sites access ‘hacker fares’, displaying return fares with multiple airlines included on one booking.
Flights booked. Tick.
What to do if you realise within 24 hours that you made a mistake with your flight booking.
How to get your money back from a non-refundable ticket in the event you have to cancel your trip.
Right to cancel within 24 hours.
In the event that you booked and paid for a flight and realise within 24 hours that you made a mistake, you are eligible for a full refund (even if the fare you bought is non-refundable).
BA’s website: “If you made your booking with British Airways and you notice a mistake after you have paid for your ticket(s), you can cancel your flight booking and claim a full refund without penalty, up to 24 hours from when you made the original booking”.
Get £$€ for taxes paid on non-refundable tickets.
Booked a non-refundable ticket (most of us do, as it’s the cheapest flight available) and have to cancel your flight?
You are still eligible to get a refund for the government taxes paid.
When you book an international flight to the USA from Europe, government taxes can be a large part of the fare paid - it’s worth claiming it back!
You may be charged an admin fee by the airline (or by your Travel Agent).
