Tips for Booking Airfare to a Destination Wedding

Booking flights for your dream destination wedding, honeymoon, or any significant trip can feel
overwhelming, especially when it’s international travel. Even seasoned travelers can benefit
from a few expert tips to ensure smooth and cost-effective travel plans. Whether you’re jetting
off for a romantic getaway, joining a wedding party, or planning a family vacation, understanding
the nuances of airfare booking can save you both time and money. Our individual trip packages,
including honeymoons, anniversary trips, and family vacations, cover everything from airfare
and transportation to hotels and insurance. But if you’re booking your own flights—perhaps as a
destination wedding guest using a group rate—here are some invaluable tips to guide you
through the process.

1. Start with Google Flights for Research, But Don’t Book There

Google Flights is a fantastic tool for starting your airfare search. It allows you to input your
departure and destination airports and travel dates to get a broad overview of your options. You
can see different airlines, flight times, and even connecting cities at a glance. For example, if
you’re flying to a smaller Caribbean island, American Airlines might be your best bet, whereas
almost every airline offers multiple daily flights to Cancun.

However, while Google Flights is excellent for research, it’s not the best place to finalize your
booking. Prices displayed may not be the final cost, and booking through Google can
sometimes lack the flexibility you’ll need if something goes awry. Once you’ve gathered your
information, it’s time to book directly with the airline.

2. Book Directly with the Airline, Not Through Discount Sites

When it comes time to purchase your tickets, avoid third-party booking sites like Expedia,
Orbitz, Priceline, or Booking.com. While these platforms might seem convenient, they often
come with significant drawbacks. If there’s a schedule change, or if you need to modify your
itinerary, working through a third party can lead to long hold times and restricted options. Many
third-party sites also sell extremely restrictive tickets that offer minimal flexibility.

Booking directly with the airline gives you greater control over your reservation. You’ll have the
ability to manage your booking easily, choose your seats, and make any necessary changes
directly on the airline’s website—saving you time and reducing stress.

3. Understand Fare Classes and Rate Types

The days of simply choosing between first class and economy are long gone. Now, airlines offer
a range of fare classes that can be confusing if you’re not familiar with them.

• Regular Economy Class: This is the standard “coach” class ticket, which typicallyincludes a seat assignment, a carry-on bag, and the option to check a bag for a fee.
• Sub-Economy (Basic Economy): Often called “Basic Economy,” these tickets arecheaper but come with significant restrictions. They may not include a carry-on bag, seatassignments, or any flexibility for changes.
• Premium Economy: Positioned between standard economy and business class, thisfare offers more legroom, dedicated overhead bin space, and sometimes additionalperks like priority boarding and upgraded snacks.

I strongly recommend avoiding Basic Economy due to its restrictive nature. You’ll be the last to
board, which means limited overhead bin space, and you won’t be able to choose your seat,
which often leads to the dreaded middle seat.

4. Beware of Upselling and Extra Costs

Nearly every airline charges for checked bags these days, with Southwest being a notable
exception. Some airlines even charge for selecting a window or aisle seat in advance. When
booking, pay close attention to the baggage policies. Most regular economy tickets allow for a
50-pound checked bag, but this can vary.

Low-cost carriers like Frontier, Spirit, and Allegiant might lure you in with attractive base fares,
but watch out for the extras. They often charge for carry-on bags, checked luggage, seat
selection, and even refreshments onboard. The weight limit for checked bags on these airlines
can be as low as 40 pounds, and if your flight gets canceled, you could be left with limited
rebooking options.

5. Nonstop vs. Direct vs. Connecting Flights: Know the Difference

If you have the option, always choose a nonstop flight to reduce travel time and stress.
However, it’s essential to understand that “direct” doesn’t mean nonstop. A direct flight will make
at least one stop without changing planes, while a nonstop flight has no stops at all.

For those who live in areas where connections are necessary, make sure to allow ample time
between flights. Aim for the first flight of the day to avoid delays caused by weather or crew
availability. If you’re returning to the United States, remember that you’ll need extra time to clear
customs and recheck your bags at your first point of entry.

6. Book Using the Exact Name on Your Passport

When booking international flights, always use the exact name as it appears on your passport.
This includes your first, middle, and last names—no nicknames or abbreviations. Failing to do
so can result in costly changes or even denial of boarding.

Newlyweds should be especially mindful of this. If you’re changing your last name, make sure to
book your trip under the name that will be on your passport at the time of travel, which often
means using your maiden name.

7. Get Cozy with Your Airline: Apps and Clubs

Sign up for your airline’s frequent flyer program, even if you don’t plan on flying with them
regularly. Fill out your profile completely, including your contact information, to ensure the airline
can reach you if there’s a schedule change or emergency.

Download the airline’s app before your flight to stay updated on any changes to your itinerary,
track your checked baggage, and access in-flight entertainment. If you have a Known Traveler
Number (TSA Pre-check/Global Entry), link it to your frequent flyer profile to save time at the
airport.

8. When Is the Best Time to Book?

This is one of the most common questions I get, especially from wedding groups. Unfortunately,
there’s no perfect answer. Airline prices fluctuate based on various factors, including fuel costs,
demand, and even the day of the week.

While you may have heard that booking on a Tuesday is the best time to score a deal, my
nearly nine years in travel have shown me that this isn’t always the case. Instead, I recommend
using tools like Google Flights or Hopper to set up price alerts and monitor rates over time.

Ultimately, if you see a fare that fits your budget, go ahead and book it. If you’re traveling during
a peak season, such as holidays or spring break, it’s wise to book as soon as the flights become
available. Major carriers like Delta, American, and United release their schedules about 11
months in advance, while Southwest typically has a shorter lead time of around six months.

I hope these tips help you navigate your next international flight with confidence and ease. Safe
travels!

Let’s chat about how I can help you find the best rates and options and ensure your big day
goes off without a hitch. Contact me today to start planning your dream wedding!