Travel planning sounds like fun in theory, but in reality? It can turn into a chaotic spiral of 30 open tabs, decision fatigue, and wondering if you just booked the world’s longest layover in a windowless terminal (been there, regretted that).
I’ve been traveling for years now, and somewhere between last-minute weekend getaways and carefully planned international trips, I realized something: there’s a process I follow almost every single time before I even click “book” on a flight.
It didn’t start out this way. Oh no. I learned some of these the hard way (read: sleeping on the floor of an airport in Malaysia because I didn’t check visa requirements). Others? I picked up through research, trial and error, and those lovely moments of clarity that happen mid-flight when you realize what could’ve gone differently.
So today, I’m walking you through the 7 things I always do before booking a flight—these little rituals that help me save money, reduce anxiety, and feel like I actually know what I’m doing.
1. I Cross-Check Prices Using More Than One Site
Okay, real talk: it’s so easy to get sucked into the rabbit hole of flight comparisons. One second you’re checking Google Flights, and three hours later you’re on some sketchy site with a .xyz domain offering a $150 ticket to Tokyo. Tempting, but no thank you.
I do start with Google Flights or Skyscanner—they’re both amazing for showing you a big-picture view of pricing trends and letting you play with dates. I also peek at Hopper to see their predictions about whether fares might drop or go up.
But here's the thing I learned: I don’t chase the absolute cheapest ticket anymore. I look for value. That might mean a slightly higher fare with a better airline, reasonable layovers, or baggage included. Sometimes the “cheap” ticket ends up costing more when you add all the extras.
Looking to save on flights? Expedia reports that Sunday is the cheapest day to book, with potential savings of up to 10% compared to Friday bookings.
That said, I do clear my cookies or browse incognito when I start searching. It’s not some conspiracy theory—prices can actually go up based on repeated searches. A quick switch to private browsing and boom, better deals.
2. I Always Check the Airline’s Actual Baggage Policy
Listen, I once paid $80 for a carry-on because I assumed “basic economy” still meant basic decency. Spoiler: it didn’t.
These days, airlines are playing the most complicated game of “What’s Actually Included,” and honestly, it’s kind of wild.
Before I book, I go directly to the airline’s site and check:
- Is a personal item allowed?
- What are the dimensions for a carry-on (they vary more than you’d think)?
- Does this fare include checked baggage?
- How much do they charge if I add bags later?
And if I’m flying a budget airline, I triple-check this. Sometimes the “cheap” fare doesn’t include anything beyond a backpack—and once, I watched someone pay over $100 at the gate because their bag didn’t fit in the sizer.
Nope. Not happening to me again.
3. I Research Airport Transportation Before I Land
You know that feeling when you land in a new country, it's 11 PM, you’re exhausted, and suddenly you’re trying to negotiate with a taxi driver in a language you don’t speak?
Yeah. Not my favorite travel memory.
Now, I make it a habit to look up how I’ll get from the airport to my hotel before I even book the flight. If public transit is an option, great. If not, I check how much Ubers or taxis generally cost, whether I need to pre-book a shuttle, or if my hotel offers pickup.
Bonus tip? I screenshot directions in Google Maps in case I don’t have data when I land. Offline maps have saved me more times than I can count.
And here’s a fun side benefit: When I know that an airport is far out of town or has bad transit options, I sometimes pick a different arrival airport altogether. Yep, I’ve skipped flying into Paris-Charles de Gaulle and gone to Orly instead—cheaper and easier for where I was staying.
4. I Double-Check My Passport + Visa Needs (No Matter How Many Times I’ve Traveled)
I don’t care how seasoned a traveler you are—always double-check your passport validity and visa requirements. Trust me, it takes two minutes and can save you a world of hurt.
Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, and some won’t even let you board your flight if you don’t meet that rule.
And visas? Don’t assume anything. Even if you’ve visited before, rules change. I once flew to Turkey on the same passport I’d used years before, only to discover they’d changed their visa policy.
Here’s what I do:
- Visit the official government site or IATA’s travel map.
- Double-check entry requirements, fees, vaccination rules, and how long I can stay.
- Screenshot everything, just in case.
5. I Check Local Holidays, Events, & Weather First
So I almost booked a trip to Spain without realizing it was Semana Santa—one of the biggest holidays in the country. It would’ve been magical, yes, but also wildly expensive and packed with crowds. Lesson learned.
Now, before I confirm anything, I do a quick vibe-check:
- Are there any big local holidays or festivals happening?
- What’s the weather like that time of year?
- Are prices higher during those dates?
- Will tourist attractions be open or closed?
This little step has made such a difference in the quality of my trips. Like, visiting Japan in early March instead of during cherry blossom season? So much cheaper, still stunning, and I actually got a table at restaurants without waiting 2 hours.
Weather-wise, I’ll also check things like rainy season or hurricane season in tropical destinations. A dirt-cheap ticket to the Caribbean in September might not be such a steal if it comes with nonstop storms.
6. I Check Seat Maps Before I Pick a Flight
This one might sound extra, but hear me out. Not all planes are created equal.
Before I book, I pop the flight number to check:
- Seat layout and legroom
- Where the lavatories are (because no, I don’t want to sit right next to one)
- If the flight has USB ports or screens
- If the airline is using an older aircraft (it happens!)
I can’t tell you how many times this has saved me from ending up in a middle seat in a row that doesn’t recline. And once I find a flight I like, I always pick my seat during booking if it’s an option.
Bonus: if I’m flying long-haul, I check if there’s an economy seat with extra legroom or a bulkhead seat available. It’s often just a tiny upgrade fee but makes a huge difference in comfort.
7. I Look Up Cancellation Policies and Flexibility
Let’s be honest: even the best-laid plans can fall apart. Life happens, weather happens, airlines happen.
So I always read the fine print before I book:
- Is the ticket refundable or changeable?
- Can I cancel and get flight credit?
- Does the airline offer 24-hour free cancellation?
- What’s their rebooking policy if a flight is delayed or canceled?
I’m not a travel insurance evangelist, but for bigger trips, I’ll often grab a policy that covers flight delays, cancellations, and lost baggage. Just knowing I have a safety net makes travel feel way less stressful.
Also, if I’m using credit card points or miles, I double-check whether changes or cancellations come with extra fees. Some reward tickets are flexible, others are very not.
It’s Not About Over-Planning—It’s About Smart Planning
Look, I’m not suggesting you turn into an obsessive travel spreadsheet wizard (unless that’s your thing—then go off). But doing these few things before booking a flight has made my travels smoother, cheaper, and a lot less stressful.
It’s kind of like meal-prepping but for your wanderlust: a little prep now means more time enjoying the journey later.
So next time you’re about to book that flight, maybe run through this list. Future you—tired, slightly jet-lagged, but still fabulous—will thank you.
Now tell me—what’s your go-to pre-flight ritual? Do you have one I missed? I’m always down to add another pro tip to my toolkit.
Safe travels and happy flying!
