Buying plane tickets online how does it work – book flights online, learn how the price for the airline ticket is calculated. What are the classes of plane tickets, advantages of online reservation and tips for booking cheap flights; pets on the plane and flying by charter flight, hand luggage issues to guide you through the process of online flight booking.
Buying plane tickets online, how does it work?
The flight ticket is the agreement between the air company and a passenger, which comes in force from the moment the ticket is issued.
A few years ago you could only have a hard copy of the airline ticket to travel by plane.
Now passengers themselves and without the assistance of travel agencies can search the flights, select the most convenient airline schedules, track routes and rates, book flights online and proceed with tickets’ purchase.
Buying plane tickets online is a convenient and straightforward process that allows travelers to purchase their flights from the comfort of their own homes. Here’s how it typically works:
- Start by researching and comparing different airlines and flights to find the best options that fit your travel dates, budget, and preferences. You can use online travel agencies or airline websites to search for available flights and compare prices and features.
- Once you’ve found the flight you want to book, select it and review the details, including the departure and arrival times, layovers, baggage allowances, and fare rules.
- After reviewing the details, you’ll need to enter the passenger and payment information to complete the booking process. This typically includes the passenger’s full name, date of birth, and contact information, as well as the payment method and billing information.
- Once you’ve submitted your payment information, the system will generate an e-ticket or confirmation code, which will be sent to your email or mobile phone. This e-ticket serves as proof of your reservation and should be presented at the airport check-in counter to receive your boarding pass.
- After you’ve received your e-ticket, it’s important to double-check the flight details, including the date, time, and airport, to ensure there are no errors or discrepancies. It’s also recommended to check-in online or at the airport in advance to avoid any potential delays or issues.
Overall, buying plane tickets online is a quick and convenient process that allows travelers to easily search, compare, and book flights from anywhere with an internet connection.
Which information is contained in the air ticket?
When buying plane tickets online you will be sent a copy to your email address added during the registration.
This is the document that allows you to use the services of the air company and lists conditions of the flight.
The air ticket includes the name of the passenger, flight ticket number, dates of trip, route, departure and arrival points, ticket type, number of sits and conditions of luggage transportation.
You can print out this document and bring it with you to the airport.
The information on the ticket is in English and this is the only language used for flights services.
An airline ticket, whether it is a physical or an electronic ticket, contains important information about your flight reservation. The information typically includes:
- Passenger details: The name of the passenger, along with any other passengers traveling on the same reservation.
- Flight details: The airline, flight number, date and time of departure and arrival, departure and arrival airport codes, and the type of flight (one-way or round-trip).
- Seat assignment: Your assigned seat number, cabin class (economy, business, or first class), and any special requests you may have made during the booking process.
- Fare details: The fare class you have booked, the cost of the ticket, any taxes and fees, and the payment method.
- Baggage allowance: The number of bags you are allowed to bring on your flight, along with the size and weight restrictions.
- Restrictions and conditions: Any restrictions or conditions that may apply to your ticket, such as cancellation fees, change fees, or ticket expiration dates.
It is important to review your airline ticket carefully to ensure that all of the information is correct before your trip. If you notice any errors or discrepancies, you should contact the airline or travel agency immediately to have them corrected.
How to buy a plane ticket online
Air tickets search and purchase on the web is easy and comfortable.
Nowadays you can search for the flight online and book it right away.
Understanding the principles of engine search systems you will be able to find the cheapest fares and most convenient route.
Few steps to make searching and buying plane tickets online more effective:
Define the most convenient and closest airport.
If there is a possibility to use an alternative airport you might consider choosing it as your departure point.
When searching for the ticket online you need to specify travel dates and points of departure and arrival.
The search system will show the updated availability of the tickets and fares.
The advantage of using the online reservation system yourself is that you can narrow the search and specify exact criteria based on which you will see the results.
For example, you would like to take a direct flight, and then you can select this parameter in search options to get results only with direct flights.
Or you have flexible travel dates and you can change arrival and departure dates.
The online air tickets search system will pick up results for the mentioned dates +-3 dates or whatever you select.
Check the online flight booking system several times to see different flights and tickets’ prices.
Please note that prices may change each day and you will see different fares every day.
You can wait until the flight ticket price is acceptable for you.
Double-check the spelling of our name and surname and make sure it is the same as in your passport when you book flights online.
In some air companies, it is obligatory to provide passport information of the passenger during online reservation.
You will be asked to enter passport number, dates it was issued, period the passport is valid and birth date of the passenger.
How is the e-ticket issued when we purchase plane tickets online?
There is nothing complicated in the process of issuing and buying plane tickets online.
When you book flights online on one of the trusted websites, you just need to properly spell your name and make sure the route, dates and time you have chosen are exactly what you need when filling in the form online.
The name should be spelled exactly as in your passport.
Some airline companies allow up to 3 spelling mistakes in the name, but better not to have any of course.
When purchasing plane tickets online, an e-ticket is typically issued and sent to the email address you provided during the booking process. An e-ticket, or electronic ticket, is a digital record of your flight reservation, which replaces the traditional paper ticket. It contains all the necessary information about your flight, including the airline, flight number, departure and arrival times, seat number, and any other relevant details.
Once you have completed the booking process and payment is confirmed, the airline or travel agency will generate an e-ticket and send it to the email address provided. The e-ticket will usually be sent within a few minutes of completing the booking, but in some cases, it may take up to 24 hours to receive the e-ticket.
It’s important to check the e-ticket carefully to ensure that all the details are correct, including the spelling of your name, the date and time of your flight, and your flight itinerary. You should also print out a copy of the e-ticket or save it to your mobile device to bring with you to the airport. At the airport, you will need to present the e-ticket along with a valid form of identification to receive your boarding pass and proceed to the gate for your flight.
How is the flight ticket price calculated?
The price of the flight ticket is based on airport taxes and flight costs, based on that the flight ticket fare is calculated.
Flight tickets at the lowest cost are limited; this is why as soon as these are sold out the companies start raising the prices.
If you are bound with the amount and cannot find what you need, try to search for alternative flights, change the dates of travel or air company and you will get more different offers.
Keep in mind that if you are buying your travel ticket at the agency, they are eligible to apply additional costs for the services of issuing the ticket.
Main classes of air tickets
When you are buying plane tickets online you will need to know the class of the seat. How does it work?
There are three main classes in the planes:
- business,
- economy and
- first-class.
Economy class flight tickets
Economy – is the cheapest price of the ticket.
The price for the economy class flight ticket is low if you are buying the ticket a while ahead of the trip, and traveling for a short period of time.
Please note that strict reservation rules will be applied in most cases for this type of ticket.
Passengers traveling by economy class will be offered wine and snacks, but again this will depend on the airline.
The selection of drinks and food will be a bit limited if compared with business class and first-class options.
Passengers of economy class in most cases are allowed to take up to 23 kg of luggage.
Traveling by business class on a plane
Business-class air tickets are more expensive.
Tariffs for business class air tickets are flexible and you can change the date or return the ticket without any additional fee in most cases.
For business class travelers the level of services provided on the board is higher.
The passengers who purchased business class flight tickets will be offered different menus and wines.
Business-class passengers will have more comfortable sits, with more space in-between.
Another advantage for business class passengers is the possibility of taking up to 30 kg of luggage on the plane for free.
Business-class travelers will be offered magazines, newspapers and duty-free catalogs.
Book tickets online in the first class
First-class air tickets assume the most expensive level of services.
This includes a VIP hall and some other benefits depending on the air company.
First-class flight tickets will give you more options during the trip, like a variety of menu and a wider choice of alcoholic drinks offered on the board.
Besides, in the airports passengers traveling by first class will go to a separate registration desk, with fewer people in a queue.
Sometimes the air carrier will give presents to the passengers of the first class.
These passengers will be served first, will get free transportation of 40 kg of luggage and some of the air carriers may offer a limo for transportation and cover the costs of a night in the hotel.
Why to buy plane tickets online how does it work?
When you book flights online there is no need to waste time going to a particular agency, searching the location and managing your schedule to visit the travel office at open hours.
You can be a travel agent for yourself and do everything from home or from your office.
All you need is a computer and internet access to complete buying plane tickets online.
The e-ticket will be sent to your email address within a few minutes after it is confirmed with airlines.
There are many reasons why people choose to buy plane tickets online. Here are some of the benefits and advantages:
- Convenience: Buying plane tickets online is convenient and easy. You can search for flights, compare prices, and book your tickets from the comfort of your own home, office, or anywhere with an internet connection.
- Cost-effective: Online booking can often save you money, as airlines may offer discounts and promotions for online purchases.
- Access to multiple airlines: Online booking allows you to access multiple airlines and compare prices and routes, giving you more options and flexibility.
- Real-time information: Online booking provides real-time information on flight availability, prices, and schedules. This allows you to make informed decisions and adjust your travel plans accordingly.
- Electronic ticketing: Online booking often includes electronic ticketing, which eliminates the need for paper tickets and reduces the risk of lost or stolen tickets.
To buy plane tickets online, you can visit airline websites, travel search engines, or aggregator websites. Simply enter your travel dates, destination, and other details, and the website will search for available flights and prices. Once you have selected your desired flight, you can enter your payment and contact information to complete your purchase. You will then receive an electronic ticket via email, which you can print or save on your mobile device.
Tips to buy cheaper plane tickets online
Did you know that passengers traveling by the same plane and to the same destination, even in the same class pay different fares for the flight tickets?
Here are some tips to help you find the best deals:
The cheaper the flight ticket is the more restrictions are applied;
Two-way flight tickets will be cheaper than one-way ticket;
Direct flights may turn to be more expensive in comparison to the flights with the transfer;
Book flights online and do not change day or time. Any change in the ticket will lead to additional charges;
The non-refundable tickets are the cheapest ones;
Remember about Sunday Rule – plan your trip to stay for the night from Saturday to Sunday and you will save on the flight;
Cheap flight tickets are available only for a certain period of time, which is up to 72 hours in most cases. Some of the air companies request immediate payment for cheap air tickets and you would have to make the online payment right away, otherwise, the ticket will not be confirmed;
If you book flights online, keep in mind that the earlier the flight ticket is purchased the cheaper it costs.
If a traveler knows the dates of the journey and has the possibility to buy the air ticket as early as possible, savings can be up to 50% of the price!
At the same time, there are other factors that impact the price of your flight ticket.
We have listed the most important hints for you to keep in mind when ordering flights:
Buying air ticket with low-cost companies
What is the difference between low-cost companies and regular flight companies?
The policy of low-cost companies is based on the principle of cutting regular services.
When booking flight with low-cost companies remember that:
The passengers are not offered free drinks and food on the board;
Low-cost companies establish limitations on the weight of the luggage to be taken on plane;
Travelers do not get the seat number assigned when buying cheaper air tickets and can choose any free seat when in the plane;
In some countries low-cost companies use secondary airports;
Purchased flight tickets cannot be returned or reimbursed. Also, it is impossible to make any change in it. This is why pay attention to all the notes and conditions of ticket purchase, especially if this is a non-refundable one;
In most cases low-cost flight tickets are for the direct routes of no more the 3 hours;
Low-cost companies sell flight tickets on their own or partners’ websites. This approach allows airline companies to save on selling tickets and offer cheaper flight deals. If you are following the news of the air companies and are subscribed for the updates you can buy the air tickets for 30 EUR within Europe and even cheaper when a discount or sale is announced.
For those who prefer to travel cheaply, this is the best alternative to save.
Should you travel by charter flights?
One more option to save on a trip is to buy flight tickets for a charter flight, where they have free seats for sale.
In this case, however, there are some disadvantages. It is impossible to purchase the airline ticket in advance, the flight schedule is not always the most convenient one and flight carriers can change it last minute.
Charter flights are organized only in the most popular tourists’ directions.
The tickets for the charter flights are much cheaper but they are not available for sale in all travel agencies.
How and where to book charter flights?
It is possible however to buy charter airline tickets via travel company, which is organizing the charter flight.
Some travel companies offer tours and charter flights together. They sell them at a package and prices are considerably lower if to buy a two-way ticket for a regular flight company.
Recommendations to find the best deals for buying plane tickets online how does it work
Periodically flight companies announce promo deals.
Subscribe for the news to be regularly informed of the latest flight deals.
When you are subscribed for the news you will get an email with promo code valid for a certain period of time.
You can enter the code to get a discount when buying plane tickets online.
Travel experts advice for buying plane tickets online
It is believed that the best days for buying tickets are Saturday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
These are the days when airline companies offer tickets at lower prices.
Cheapest tickets appear for sale on Tuesdays after 3 pm and on Wednesday’s right after midnight.
The price of the flight ticket is also impacted by the season.
For example, during cold seasons flight tickets to warm resorts will cost less.
Airline tickets to Europe on the eve of Christmas are usually sold at much higher prices.
Here are some tips and advice from travel experts for buying plane tickets online:
- Compare prices: Use multiple travel search engines or aggregator websites to compare prices for your desired flight route. This will give you a better idea of the average price for your flight and help you identify the best deal.
- Be flexible with your travel dates: If you are flexible with your travel dates, you can often find better deals on flights. Consider traveling during off-peak seasons or weekdays to save money.
- Book in advance: The earlier you book your flight, the better chance you have of getting a good deal. Booking in advance also gives you more time to plan your trip and make any necessary arrangements.
- Check for promotions and deals: Airlines often run promotions and discounts for online bookings. Check for these deals on airline websites, social media, and email newsletters.
- Check baggage allowances and fees: Make sure to read the baggage allowances and fees carefully before booking your flight. Some airlines may charge extra fees for checked baggage, overweight or oversized baggage, and even carry-on bags.
- Read the fine print: Before booking your flight, make sure to read the fine print carefully. Pay attention to the cancellation and refund policies, restrictions on changes, and any other important details.
- Consider travel insurance: Travel insurance can provide valuable protection for your trip, especially in case of unexpected events such as flight cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost baggage.
By following these tips and advice, you can save money and make the most of your online plane ticket booking experience.
Time of departure and arrival
Fridays and Sundays are the most crowded days of the week in airports.
On Fridays, a lot of people leave for the weekends and on Sundays, plenty of travelers return back.
The flight companies raise the prices for this period of a week and you will have fewer chances to find the cheapest flight deal.
Contents
Online registration for the flight
You can get registered for the flight from home or at the airport.
The first option is much more convenient of course but not all the air companies allow check-in online still.
That depends on the flight, air company requirements and arrangements with the airport in a certain country.
When getting registered for the flight you would need to know your flight ID tracking number, assigned to you when the ticket was confirmed.
The other information you would need to provide is the flight number.
When going through the registration at the airport you also must provide your passport.
If you did not print out the air ticket the representatives of the airlines will do that for you.
About additional services on plane
A child is traveling without being accompanied by an adult, or some passenger prefers or needs to travel with pets, the luggage you are taking is bigger then the regular allowed size.
All of these services are additional and provided by the air companies for an extra fee.
These additional services must be ordered in advance and cannot be obtained only upon arrival to the airport without preliminary order.
What you need to know about taking luggage on the plane
In most cases airlines allow their passengers to take registered luggage and hand luggage on board.
If during air ticket reservations you notice that the price is significantly lower then you’d better pay attention to the rules and conditions of airlines applied for this particular flight.
It is possible that the flight ticket price is significantly lower because luggage is not included.
In this case, you will have to pay an additional fee in case you planned to travel with a registered suitcase.
Types of registered luggage for traveling by plane
There are two types of registered luggage: based on weight and number of seats.
According to the weight policy, a passenger is allowed to take for the flight: 20 kg in economy class, 30 kg in business class and 40 kg in premium.
The other flight carriage policy allows a passenger to take one bag of no more than 23 kilos. The total measures of the bag must not exceed 158 cm.
This scheme of luggage on the board is applied for the flights to and from the USA, Canada, Central, and Southern America, Africa.
If your luggage exceeds the limits listed above, it will be treated as extra.
Passengers of business class are allowed to take hand luggage in the amount of 1 travel bag, with the dimensions 55x40x20 cm and up to 10 kg.
Passengers who purchased economy class air tickets can take 1 piece of hand luggage. Dimensions of a bag must be 55x40x20 cm, and weight must not exceed 7 kg.
If you are a transit passenger with a single ticket, then you should register your luggage till the final destination point.
This will save your time and you will not have to bother of obtaining a visa in transit country to pick and register your luggage one more time.
In most cases, luggage is not included in the price of flight tickets of low-cost companies. But if you plan to take luggage on the plane, better to purchase this service the same time you book flight tickets online.
Again this is much more convenient and much cheaper than to purchase a place for additional luggage in the airport before the flight.
Usually, this option is less expensive if purchased 24 hours before the departure.
What to do if the luggage is lost
If your luggage did not arrive at the destination point, the first thing you need to do is to apply to the Lost and Found department of the airport.
You will be asked to fill in application re loss of luggage, provide the address, where it should be delivered.
The air companies will deliver your luggage for 21 days or will repay you a reimbursement.
Rules for taking pets on the airplane
To take a pet on the plane, you must bring a valid medical certificate, passport with vaccination stamps and all other documents required by the country you are departing and arriving to.
If you decided to take a pet on a trip with you, you should be aware that:
Only cats and dogs up to 5 kg with a container can be taken on the board of the plane with you.
When you book flights online, make sure to specify the dimensions of the carriage and its weight.
If your pet is more then 5 kilos and up to 32 kg, it will be taken to the luggage section of the plane.
The carriage for the pet must be big enough, the length must be twice the length of the pet.
There must be free circulation of the air and waterproof bottom.
Pets the weight of which is more than 32 kg together with the carriage must be taken on the board according to luggage rules.
The price for the pets traveling by plane will be calculated as extra luggage.
We hope you find information on buying plane tickets online helpful and you will easily organize your next trip.
Thanks for all this info! A lot of useful tips, glad I have found this post before making any flight booking online. Now I know how to book flight tickets online, thanks again!
What information is needed to buy a plane ticket online?
In order to book a flight tickets online you need your passport information and know the route and dates of your travel, this is it.
You will need credits card, passport details, dates of your trip and the destination 🙂
HI! To book a flight ticket you need to have a valid passport(s), and visa if required, or valid driving license, credit card, know the dates of travel, destination, and duration of stay. To buy a plane ticket you also should know the type of seat.
This is it, if you are not sure which seat to select, please note such option is not always available, you can search for the plan of the aircraft and find where your seat will be. Some seats should be paid for in advance to guarantee they are booked. As a rule this is not a huge amount of money, just 10-20 dollars per 1 seat. This amount will be included into the cost of the eticket.
Hi all, can you please explain, what happens if e-ticket is not confirmed? Thanks a lot!
Hi, If your ticket is not confirmed it will be cancelled with a few hours or days. Non-confirmed tickets are cancelled automatically, if you paid for it, money should be sent back to your account.
When buying a flight ticket online, are tickets cheaper at the airport or online? Please share your opinion, thanks a lot in advance!
I think tickets cost less if you buy them online. Of course, buying in the airport will not raise the price twice but will cost more compared to the price for the same ticket purchased online. I prefer to buy travel ticket online, it saves time and money, and you can do it even from your mobile phone.