So you’re ready to take flight! You have a destination in mind, and you’re excited to find the best flights to get there. It’s part of the fun, but also part of the work, right? If the options seem too overwhelming, or if you’re anxious about missing something (there are a LOT of details that go into flights options), here’s some insider info for you. Keep reading!

Duration

Always look at the total hours of travel—flights plus layovers. It maybe $200 cheaper, but do you really want to be traveling for 36 hours and sleeping in airports when you could have gotten there in 8 hours instead? How much is your own time worth to you, especially if it means less time at your destination? It’s up to you, but it’s also worth considering all angles!

Keep reading: How to Survive Long-Haul Travel (even in economy)

Layovers

How many layovers do you need to take? If no non-stops are available, you can usually get to your destination with one layover. But can you get a better deal with two layovers? Is the layover you choose long enough to make your connection, or will you be pushing it? Is there a later connection in case you don’t make it? Is your layover arriving and departing from the same airport? That’s a curveball you probably weren’t expecting! (See more info below.)

Related: The Beginner’s Guide to Handling a Layover

Airports (are you SURE you’re booking the right one?)

This may seem basic, but it’s a trick that gets even seasoned travelers. When searching for flights, the website you’re using may automatically include nearby area airports—even if they’re not that near! 

For instance, Istanbul has two airports. Make sure your itinerary has you flying in and out of the same one, not into one and out if the other (especially on a layover). Bangkok has the same thing: Two airports, not that close to each other, but often searches will include both on the same itinerary. London also has two major airports, as does Paris. My adopted home of D.C. actually has three airports to choose from—one of which is actually in Baltimore! Always check your airport codes to make sure they match up to what you’re actually searching to purchase. 

Read on: The Best (and worst) Airports for a Long Layover

Rewards Programs

Are you earning airline miles on these flights? It’s FREE to sign up for airline loyalty programs, so you may as well throw your hat in the ring, right? If you fly with one airline or airline alliance enough, you can earn enough miles to redeem for a free flight, meaning you can travel more. Don’t leave those earnable miles behind! Always put your Frequent Flier number in when you book.

Bonus tip: ALWAYS book directly with the airline; never book on a third party site like Expedia or Kayak. Use those sites to find the best deal, then go get that exact same deal on the airline’s website!

Also helpful: The Ultimate Guide to Using Airline Miles for Travel

The Credit Card You Use to Buy

Speaking of rewards, are you using the right credit card? Some will double your reward miles (or more), while others offer cash back on certain purchases—or all purchases. Do you fly enough to justify applying for that airline card to earn huge bonus miles? Or is it smarter to go with a card that rewards all your spending equally? Whatever you decide, the most important thing to do is pay it off every month!

Related: Your Ultimate Guide to Using Credit Card Points for Travel

Other Options

Is flying the best option? If you’re traveling across Australia from Sydney to Perth, YES. If you’re traversing Austria from Vienna to Salzburg, take the train. Traveling from Athens to a Greek Island? Check the ferry options (but sometimes flying is still best). On our trip to the Baltics several years ago, we found that the Lux Bus was the best way to travel! Consider other options, just to do your due diligence. Need to know what the options are? Use the Rome2Rio app!

More here: The Best Apps for Travelers

Cost

Yes, the price of your plane ticket is an important factor, but it’s the one you’re already keeping top-of-mind. I’m putting it last because the others are more important to consider. 

Is it more important to you to buy the cheapest fare, or is it more important to get the route or timing you prefer? Is the difference $800 or $80? Is it cheaper because your layover includes an airport change? Is it more prudent to book with your preferred rewards program, or to go with the less expensive flight that gets you no rewards? What you’re willing to pay is entirely up to you, but be sure to consider the hidden cost of what you’re paying! 

Read next: How to Find Cheap Flights

Want more? Check out my dedicated Travel Planning and Air Travel Pages!

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