Is it really important to compare flights? If so, how do you compare flights? Let’s say that you are planning a trip, it could be a vacation, or a business trip and you’re not use to flying. Maybe, this is your first time flying alone. Or maybe, you are more of a land traveler. Either way, it will be a big help if you know how to compare flights and which airline will be the right one for you.

How do I compare flights?

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The first, and probably the most obvious thing to look for, is the price. Now, you might think that it’s all the same but it’s really not. There are things to consider like grade of travel (first class, business, coach etc …), whether it’s a one way flight or not. All these things factor into the cost of a ticket, and let’s not forget, airlines are competing for your service so some might be cheaper than others. The price is, first and foremost, the deciding factor but before we get into that, let’s take a look at some of the things that can effect ticket prices. The first thing that comes to my mind is whether or not a flight is non-stop (A non-stop flight is a flight with no connections). Typically, a non-stop flight will be more expensive than a flight with connecting flights (A connecting flight is when the plane lands in another airport, not your destination for re-fueling, picking up and dropping off passengers etc …)

Whether or not a flight has connecting flights is a big factor when deciding on an airline. Flights with a lot of connectors are cheap, but you’ll be making a lot of stops, sometimes too many and while on the ground, any number of things could happen, such as bad weather, a long line at the runway, all of which, in turn, will be the reason for the delay of your flight. For a flight that wouldn’t be very long anyways (For example, cross country, or less than that), a flight with one or two connecting flights wouldn’t be that bad and you’d be saving money. But if you are flying international, it would probably be best to get as few connecting flights as possible. Although with long flight’s like that, it’s hard to avoid.

Another thing that can factor into what airline to take is class; now, for a business flight, generally, a company will pay for your ticket and may or may not pay for business class. But for a personal trip, it is a big choice. Obviously, unless you really dislike coach, it is the cheapest option; you just have to deal with fewer options, less leg room and more people.  But it’s worth the price if you are a tolerant person.

Also, some airlines give out several perks to customers, especially repeat customers, such as Air miles, which can be used if you fly enough to get free flights. Each airline has different offers for different times and different flights. So it is very important that you do your research. But that’s half the reason you decided to read this, isn’t it?

When you compare flights, you must always check on how long the total travel hours will be – pit stops included.

Another thing to consider, and this has to do with connecting flights, is how long it will take to get to your destination. Connecting flights, in very rare cases mind you, fly you in the opposite direction of where you need to go.  These should best be avoided and can easily be so just by simple research. Also some airlines, in attempt to win you over, make promises that may seem to be too good to be true, and most of the time, they are.  Free airline miles, cheaper flights, discounts.  They can say almost anything to try and get you to fly with them. Don’t take these promises at face value.

Also, look at the rules and restrictions of their deal, as there could be things such as limited days you can fly to your certain location, certain routes (connecting flights) and rules on booking your airline in advance. There are also several websites that can help you make up your mind, or at least make things a bit easier to understand. Other websites like travel sites can book your flight together with your hotel cheaper, if you’re taking a vacation that is. These websites also have things that you can use to your advantage without even booking with them, such as built in comparisons between airlines. It makes it much easier for you to decide on an airline you want to use, as the website does most of the work for you.

Another thing these sites offer are downloadable ‘fare trackers’ which can track the fares of the airlines you want them to, so you can plan your vacation at the right time, when the flights are the cheapest, instead of during peak flying times (such as around Christmas, and spring break). That way, you get the biggest bang for your buck.

Lastly, if you haven’t already decided on an airline to pick after doing all of that, dig a little deeper. Look up what kind of plane that you’ll be flying in, although most planes are rather standardized, some may have more or less leg room, or seats. That way, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into.

Decide whether or not you’re going to fly non-stop or you don’t mind a few pit stops along the way. You may also check your options with regards to the class seat you want to be in, look at the perks airlines give for repeat customers, beware of rules or restrictions and shady airline deals, and use travel sites to your advantage.

I hope these tips on how to compare flights will be of help to you on your next travel vacation!

One summer evening, some years ago, I took a short trip from Chicago, Illinois to St. Louis, Missouri. It was a business trip for my husband but for me, it was a chance to meet one of his important co-workers. His family had offered to put us up at their house for an overnight while my husband got his actual work done in St. Louis. We were fortunate to live very close to the subway line that runs from downtown Chicago to O’Hare Airport, so there was no necessity for a tedious drive to the outskirts of town. We just packed and took the pleasant afternoon ride to our destination.

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Because of cautious planning, we had some time to pass at the airport once we were there. There was plenty of time for a quiet cocktail at one of the lounges before we boarded the plane – even after we had checked in. By that time, the afternoon was fading into a lovely summer evening.

The flight was not crowded, for some reason, and we were able to board the plane in those days when you could choose your seat. I was next to a window on the right side of the aisle, which meant that in the southward flight, I would be facing the west. But rather than the harsh glare of the afternoon sun, by that time the day was fading away into a brilliant sunset. Clouds were here and there as I looked westward, and they blocked some of the direct light of the sunset, turning pink and gold as the darkness descended. Normally, the sunset doesn’t tend to linger in the Midwest, but that evening it did, and I hardly noticed the passing of time as the sky displayed a gradual darkening from daylight to evening.

Finally, the sky was really getting dark, and stars began to wink into view. It was actually a few moments before I realized that I was also looking at the lights of St. Louis ahead of us. The city looked immaculate, its streets lying below me like intricate chains of living lights, twinkling like stars. It was truly one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.

The pilot put the plane down with perfect, gentle precision and at about that time the sunset was also over. For the only time in my life, I was just a little reluctant to disembark and leave that rare, unique moment that I had experienced on what should have been a perfectly ordinary ‘short hop’ from Chicago to St. Louis. But I never have forgotten, over the years, the strange and unexpected interlude that occurred when I least expected it. It was a glimpse of tranquility. I felt like I was alone in the world because of the coincidence that we had found unoccupied seats that allowed each of us to sit at a window. I had drifted to the seat facing west. It had been a certain time of day – just right for the serene transition from late afternoon to early evening.

We had bought tickets to fly down from Chicago because we didn’t want to drive – indeed we didn’t know our way around St. Louis. All these things came together on a cheap quick flight through the Midwest and gave me a gift that I will never forget.

In this day and age, is there really such a thing as cheap flying? When all factors are taken into consideration, it’s easier to understand why certain fees are in place when boarding flights, as well as the costs of airline tickets themselves. Without placing value on these services, it’s no wonder why so many believe it is impossible to find cheap flying opportunities with a large musical instrument.

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Large musical instruments are defined as harps, drum kits, double bass, guitars and other items that are too big for the plane’s overhead storage compartment. Keep in mind that all large musical instruments that are carried on to an aircraft are subject to special screening, and must be wrapped or packaged according to the airlines rules and regulations. Adhering to these rules and regulations takes extra time, so be sure to include this in your flight plan and the rest of your schedule. Inquire during booking with the airline regarding all of these rules and regulations at the time of booking to avoid hassles, headaches and frustrations.

Musicians traveling with large musical instruments are faced with many challenges. Among these challenges musicians face are carrying their instruments throughout the airport with them, worrying the instrument will become damaged and then entering the plane with the instrument. (Keep in mind that some airlines require proof that the large musical instrument has some sort of insurance before you are allowed to bring it on board). Are there any ways, however, to introduce cheap ways for musicians to fly with their large musical instruments? Read on to find out!

Air travel rates are increasing regularly; there is no doubt about that. Passengers in the recent past used to be able to enjoy a free meal during long flights, in-flight movies and free baggage check-ins. So much has changed throughout the years, and that includes bringing large musical instruments, or other large items, on to or into the aircraft with passengers. There are a number of reasons airlines have made these changes, including:

• Weight issues: If passengers are carrying on too many bags, or bags that exceed the weight limits, that issue will jeopardize the flight. Some airlines require all large items, including large musical instruments, to be kept in what they refer to as the flight’s ‘hold’.
• Fuel costs: The rising fuel costs (it’s on everyone’s minds, not just airlines) have prevented the free things passengers used to enjoy, including no baggage fees. Therefore, flying with such large items has become a cost increase some musicians are having difficulty becoming accustomed to.
• Security strengthening: Airlines have to keep a keen eye on everything going on and coming off the plane, and this includes large cases and boxes that would house a large musical instrument. This is why large musical instruments must be screened separately, and why some airlines require them to be packed based upon their guidelines.

Despite these concerns, though, there are ways for musicians to carry their large musical instruments onto flights. The reasoning behind carrying these instruments on to the plane is obvious to some, but not to others. An instrument is a large monetary, as well as sentimental, investment for the musician. If anything were to happen to the instrument, it may be difficult for the musician to recover the costs associated with repairs or replacement (unless they have insurance, but that may not be the case). In some cases, too, others are bringing the musical instruments to the musician for delivery. Safe handling in transit during such a delivery would cause many helping in such a way to keep a close eye on these large musical instruments. I mean, really, wouldn’t you worry if you were helping a musician friend out by delivering their instrument to them?

Here are some ways to keep costs down when flying with a large musical instrument:

• Book the seat next to you and inquire about a discount. Explain the purpose of booking the seat, and see if the airline will work with you on a discount price package.
• Check with discount airfare websites about ways to reduce the costs of flying with large carry-on items, such as large musical instruments. Or, check with discount airfare websites about how much costs can be reduced by stowing the large musical instrument in the plane’s cargo area.
• If the airline won’t discount the actual seat you are booking for the large musical instrument, inquire about multi-passenger discounts.
• Ask the airline if there are on-board areas where you can carry on your large musical instrument, and stow it in an area away from the seats. Some plans have this in a separate section near the bathrooms and near where the flight attendants store on-flight goods, as well as their carry-on luggage.
• If all else fails, consider packing your large musical instrument in a crate and shipping it to your destination with shipping insurance. Ship your instrument with enough advance notice that it will arrive before or the day of your flight’s arrival. Be sure to put a tracking number on the crate so you are aware of any shipment delays as they are happening. Peace of mind is everything when shipping such a large and valuable item.

The bottom line to remember is: even though costs seem high, there are ways to fly cheap with a large musical instrument if you are willing to make some concessions. You may not like the idea of bringing your instrument to the airline’s holding area, but that may be your best bet in terms of keeping costs down. You may not like the idea of not being able to book the seat next to you for your large instrument, but every airline has their own separate safety regulations in place, but they tend to match up with each other based upon Federal regulations. Keep all of this in mind when making your decisions about and plans to fly with a large musical instrument.