Booking Flights for a Destination Wedding? Here’s What You Need to Know (So You Don’t Regret It Later)

When I plan honeymoons, anniversaries, and family vacations for my clients, everything’s included; airfare, transportation, hotel, the works. It’s all handled.

But destination wedding guests? That’s a different story.

If you’re attending a destination wedding with group rates, you’ll almost always be booking your own flights. And here’s the thing: even seasoned travelers make mistakes that cost them time, money, and a whole lot of unnecessary stress.

After nearly a decade in the travel industry, I’ve pretty much seen it all – the good, the bad, and the “why didn’t you call me first?!”

So whether this is your first international trip or your fifteenth, here are my tried-and-true tips to help you book smarter and actually enjoy the journey.

When and How to Book Airfare for a Destination Wedding

Use Google Flights for Research (But Not for Booking)

Google Flights is hands down one of my favorite research tools.

You can quickly see:

• Departure and arrival times
• Number of stops
• Connection cities
• Which airlines fly your route

It’s perfect for getting a general sense of what’s out there and what things cost.

But here’s the catch: those prices? They’re often estimates, not final pricing.

So do your homework on Google Flights, but when you’re ready to actually book? Keep reading…

Book directly with the airline, not a third-party site

This is huge.

If you’re booking a full vacation package with me, you don’t need to worry about this — I’ve got you covered.

But if you’re purchasing your own airfare (hello, destination wedding guests), please, please book directly with the airline.

Skip the third-party sites like Expedia, Orbitz, Priceline, and Booking.com.

Why? Because when something goes wrong (and trust me, schedule changes and weather delays happen) you can’t just call the airline to fix it. You have to go through the third-party site, sit on hold forever, and hope they can actually help you.

Plus, many third-party sites sell super restrictive tickets with almost no change options.

When you book directly with the airline:

• You control your reservation
• Changes are way easier
• Customer service is faster

This one tip alone can save you literal hours of frustration. Trust me on this.

Understand Fare Types Before You Hit “Purchase”

Remember when airfare was just “First Class” or “Coach”? Yeah, those days are long gone.

Now you’ve got:

• Basic Economy
• Main Economy
• Premium Economy
• Business Class
• First Class

And honestly? The differences matter more than you think.

Main Economy (Regular Economy): This is your standard ticket on most airlines. You get a seat assignment, a carry-on bag, and the ability to check a bag (usually for a fee). It’s the baseline.

Basic Economy (Sub-Economy): This is the cheapest option and the most restrictive. I’m talking:

• No carry-on bag (just a personal item)
• No changes allowed
• No seat selection until you’re at the gate
• You board last
• Limited rebooking priority if there’s a delay

Personally? I never book Basic Economy. The stress is rarely worth the $30 you might save.

Premium Economy: This is a step up from Main Economy with more legroom, better seats, and sometimes upgraded snacks or drinks. It’s not First Class, but it’s a nice middle ground if you’ve got a long flight ahead.

👉🏾 My general rule: Main Economy is usually your best bet for the right balance of price, comfort, and flexibility.

Watch Out for Upsells and Hidden Fees

Most airlines will charge you for:

• Checked bags
• Advance seat selection
• Overweight luggage (standard is usually 50 lbs, but some airlines are lowering that)

Before you click “book,” make sure you’re looking at:

• Baggage fees
• Seat selection costs
• The actual final price

Don’t get surprised at the airport!

“Low-Cost Carriers” Aren’t Always Low Cost

Airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant love to advertise super low base fares.

And yeah, that $49 flight looks tempting.

But then they charge you for:

• Carry-on bags
• Checked bags
• Seat assignments
• Literally any snack or drink

They also fly fewer routes with fewer backup planes. So if your flight gets canceled? You could be stuck for days waiting for the next available flight.

Sometimes paying a little more for a major airline is actually the smarter move.

Nonstop vs. Direct vs. Connecting (Yes, There’s a Difference)

Nonstop: One flight, zero stops. You’re on the plane from start to finish.

Direct: You don’t change planes, but the plane does make a stop at another airport.

Connecting: You change planes.

If you can snag a nonstop flight? Always take it.

But if you need a connection:

• Try to book the first flight of the day (fewer delays)
• Avoid super short layovers
• Build in buffer time

And here’s a big one if you’re returning to the U.S.:
You clear Customs and Immigration at your first U.S. airport, not your final destination.

That means you’ll:

• Stand in line for immigration
• Pick up your checked bags
• Re-check your bags
• Go through security again

It’s a whole process. I always recommend a minimum 2-hour connection when re-entering the U.S.

Oh, and if you’re traveling during winter? I’ve got even more tips for you here: 3 Mistakes You’re Making When Booking Winter Flights

Book Using the Exact Name on Your Passport

For international travel, your passport is your ID. Not your driver’s license.

Your airline ticket and international hotel bookings need to match your passport exactly:

• First name
• Middle name
• Last name

No nicknames. No shortcuts. No “I go by…”

Special note for newlyweds: If you’re changing your name after the wedding, book your trip under the name that will be on your passport at the time of travel. That usually means your maiden name.

Getting this wrong can mean costly change fees or (worst case) denied boarding. Don’t risk it.

Get Cozy With Your Airline (Apps & Frequent Flyer Programs)

Before you fly, do yourself a favor:

• Sign up for the airline’s frequent flyer program (it’s free!)
• Fill out your profile with your contact info
• Add your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry number if you have one

And definitely download the airline’s app. It’ll:

• Show your boarding passes
• Alert you to delays or gate changes
• Help you track checked baggage
• Give you access to inflight entertainment

It’s basically your travel command center in your pocket.

So… When’s the Best Time to Book?

Ah, the million-dollar question. And honestly? The hardest one to answer.

The truth is, no one can perfectly predict airfare prices. If I could, I’d be living on a private island somewhere, not planning destination weddings. 😉

But here’s what I can tell you:

• Use tools like Google Flights or Hopper to set price alerts
• Watch prices over time so you understand what’s “normal” vs. what’s a deal
• If you see a price you’re comfortable with? Book it. Don’t wait for it to magically drop.

If you’re traveling during peak times like:

• Holidays
• Spring Break
• Peak wedding season (May through October)

Book as soon as flights are released. Most major airlines release their schedules about 11 months out. Southwest is usually around 6 months.

Booking international flights doesn’t have to be stressful. But a little expert guidance? It goes a long way.

If you’re ever unsure about a flight option, fare type, or timing, I’m always happy to review it with you before you book. Seriously — just reach out.

My goal is simple: help you start your trip with confidence, not chaos.

Happy travels! ✈️