ticket, changing a ticket or getting the best airfare available? Because not
all arlines follow the same rules, there are several myths and
misunderstandings that exist when it comes to airfares and airline tickets.
Top 10 airfare/airline ticket myths
1. Last minute means better deals:
Every once in a while you
can get a great deal at the last minute. However, usually the best bets are
advance purchases and checking out sales that tend to appear most often on
Wednesdays.
2. You can change the name on a ticket: On some low cost
airlines you can change the name on a ticket for a fee, but on most airlines,
and especially when international travel is involved, there are no name changes
allowed. If in doubt, read the rules before you buy or contact the travel
agent/airline you intend to buy your ticket from.
3. You can book tickets more than a year in advance: Reservation systems are only built to book up to a year in advance.
4. You can upgrade a ticket to first class for a nominal fee:
First Class, Singapore Airlines 777-300ER (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Some charter airlines, and low cost airlines may offer this, but don’t ask the Iberia
agent if you can upgrade your New York to Madrid flight to first class for
fifty bucks – the price difference will have a few more 00’s in the
equation.
A good option to upgrade may be using your frequent flyer miles ( if you have enough).
in reality is not that simple. To change airlines you
need to see if the airline you are booked with has a ticketing agreement with
other airlines and if they will endorse your ticket for travel with another
airline. A lot less common now that tickets are almost all electronic.
6. You need to stay over a Saturday night for the best airfare: This is less and less the standard for securing a good price for your ticket.
International travel does usually still have a minimum stay requirement but
domestically Saturday night is nowadays rarely a requirement.
7. Airlines will offer discounts or special airfares for bereavement/family
emergencies: Many airlines do offer discounts for this type of
travel, but most low cost airlines don´t. The discounts are offered for travel
wholly on one airline. You won’t be able to travel on several airlines and
secure this type of airfare. Many times the benefit of such
fares is not really the price but the flexibility that they offer.
8. You always have the choice of booking a one way ticket, instead of a
roundtrip: Be careful because some countries
may refuse visitors entry without
proof of a roundtrip ticket.
9. Airlines can change a ticket booked by a travel agency: Unfortunately, this is not always true. The travel agency, whether it be online
or in person, owns the file and may have ticket rules that airline reservation
agents simply have no access to. Or, you may be booked on more than one airline
with specific flight routing that got you the airfare you wanted.
10. You can change/refund tickets bought through a wholesale outlet or
a bucket shop: Because these tend to be highly discounted tickets,
changes or cancellations are rarely permitted. The seats are often bought in
bulk from the airlines and the airfares are private and are not accessible to
airline reservation agents.
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