How to Book Air Tickets
By Kate Evelyn
The quickest way to get to a faraway golf vacation destination is to travel by air. If you've never purchased airline tickets before, you may not know the process required to book them. This process is really up to you. There are three ways to buy the tickets yourself without the help of a travel agent: in person at the airport, online through the airline or a third party or over the phone.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Determine your travel route. If you have several airports near your home, choose the one from which you would like to leave. Do the same for your destination, choosing the arrival airport that will be most convenient. Look up the three-letter airport codes for both airports.
Determine your budget. Keep in mind that more flexibility will keep your ticket costs lower. Peak-time flights almost always cost more. Taking a Thursday flight instead of a Friday flight will save you hundreds of dollars in some cases.
Research online at a third-party travel website. Go to a site like Expedia begin a flight search. Type in the date and approximate times you'd like to leave your home airport and arrive at your destination. Include the number of people traveling and your airport codes.
Review the results. You will see a list of flights available, which can be sorted by airline, date and time or price. Pick the flights you'd like to take. Write down the flight numbers, times and airlines. Note any layovers or transfers.
Book your tickets. To buy them over the phone, call the airline's customer service number. (It should be on its website on the contact us page.) Give the agent your flight information and credit card number. To buy them online, return to the results screen from Step 3. Click the radio buttons next to the flights you want to take and push "Enter" or "Continue", depending on the site. Usually, you'll be prompted to log in. Do so if you have an account. If not, look for a "Skip" button. Provide your credit card number and your passenger information, and book. To buy them in person, go to the airport and visit the airline's ticket counter. Provide the agent your flight information, and book your flight.
Tips & Warnings
You can book your ticket through the airline directly online by going to its homepage. The process is basically the same as booking through the third-party site, but your tickets could be cheaper.
About The Author
Based in Washington, D.C., Kate Evelyn has been writing professionally since 2000. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications, including "Elle" magazine, "Brass|CU" magazine and the "Credit Union Times." She holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Western Maryland College.
