Is It Better To Book Flights Directly With Airline?
In this short guide, we try to answer the commonly asked question “is it better to book flights directly with airline?”.
Booking your flights directly with the airline to whom you are flying with, certainly does have its advantages. However, it also has a few disadvantages too. Below are just a few of the pros and cons of booking a flight direct with the airline:
The Pros and Cons Of Booking Flights Directly With Airlines:
Pros Of Booking Flights Direct With Airline:
1. After Sales And Customer Service: One of the main advantages of booking your flight directly with the airline is if you encounter any issues. Resolving any issues that you may encounter after your booking, is generally much easier to resolve when dealing directly with the airline itself. As a result, it is much easier to contact the airline yourself, rather than trying to resolve an issue via the ‘Third-Party’ booking site to which you booked your flights through.
2. Rewards, Loyalty And Frequent Flyer Miles: Another advantage of booking your flight directly with an airline is that you can qualify for their rewards programme. However this may not also apply to an airline nor may it interest some people but it is worth considering, if it does! Airmiles and Frequent Flyer loyalty programmes are a great way to receive future discounts on flights.
3. Changes And Flexibility: All airlines have strict policies regarding changes and cancellations. However, if you have booked your flight directly with the airline, they may be more inclined to be flexible if you need to change or cancel your booking.
4. No Surprise Or Hidden Fees: One of the good things about booking flights directly with an airline is that you are not usually hit with any hidden fees. The price you see when booking is generally the price you pay at check-out. As a result, all costs are upfront and displayed. However some third parties may add additional fees on to the booking at check-out.
Cons Of Booking Flights Direct With Airlines:
1. Using Price Comparison Websites: Searching for the best flight deals and price is very time consuming. Visiting each and every individual airline’s own website can be a nightmare! However, using a flight comparison search facility can be a much quicker and more convenient option. Therefore, this method can sometimes be a better option for finding the best flight prices. You can however, still use a flight comparison website to find the best flights for your required dates and then simply book directly with the airline!
2. Limited Options: One restriction when booking directly with an airline is that you have limited options.
3. No Package Deals: Many Third-Party websites do offer specific package deals such as packages which include both flight and hotel. As a result, this can save you a lot on your overall booking as opposed to booking directly, where these types of deals are not offered.
4. Less Flexibility When Booking Multi-Destination Trips: If you are planning travel that involves several flights, then you may want someone else to handle all the bookings for you. Booking directly with each individual airline may seem a little daunting for some people, especially if the itinerary is complex. Letting a Third-Party website or agency handle and manage all the booking process may be a more appealing option.
Summary:
Obviously, there are many other factors you should consider but the above are just a few small pros and cons. However, the ultimate decision as to which way you choose, will simply be determined by your own personal requirements and budgets.
We hope this short guide has helped shine a little more light on the frequently asked question “Is it better to book flights directly with Airline?”.