What is the best way to buy a plane ticket? I have never flown before.?

Question

I would like to leave from Inidianapolis to Richmond to a wedding in September. I have no clue where to get this plane ticket and what to do after I get there. Help!

Answer 1

Definitely online.
To make it simple, FareChase searches dozens of travel sites so you don't have to.
It is the best way to find great prices for flights and hotel rooms.

Answer 2

Call a travel agent. They can help you with carriers, flights, etc. There is no cost for this service to you. You will pay nothing over face value of the ticket. Airlines have a 7% allowance built into the cost of a ticket. When you buy the ticket from an agent, the travel agent is reimbursed the 7% from the airline. If you buy direct from the airline, they pocket the 7%.

As for first flight, don't worry about it. There are a lot of strange noises and sensations you will experience. It is no cause for alarm. Your flight crew is well trained, and professional. If you have any in-flight questions, press the "call attendant" button over your head, and the attendant will gladly assist. As you board the plane, tell the attendants this is your first flight. They will pay close attention to you during the flight. If they notice you're showing signs of discomfort, they will be there in a flash.

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Since I originally answered, I've been doing some thinking. The reason I recommended and agent is because this is your first flight. If you book the wrong connections, you could find yourself in frustrating situation like I found myself. My employer booked my flights, and I should have checked. My first flight had an interrim stop, and I didn't notice it was a change to another carrier. If I remember right It was St Louis. The first flight was delayed, and we were late gatting into St Louis. Then I discovered I had to go to another terminal, about a mile away. First, I had to go to the baggage carosel to get my luggage. Then I ran that mile, in a suit, with two suitcases under my arms. When I got to the terminal, it was just in time to see my flight taxi out on the tarmac. It took another 6 hours to get out of there. That's why I recommended an agent. But I did some quick checking, and was amazed how much you can save. Oh my mind can be devious. Try this. Go to an agent, and either get a non-stop, or a same carrier change. Make sure that both flights use the same terminal. Tell the agent you are thinking about this trip. When you get the flight information, just say I'll get back to you. Then logon to Priceline, or Expedia..... I'm going to feel dirty for the rest of the day.

Have a good flight!

Answer 3

You can start by searching the travel websites, but always compare prices directly with the airlines websites. Calling reservations or going to the ticket counter you will pay a ticketing fee with most airlines. The airlines website has the best prices and schedules. Internet travel sites can be traps, charge booking fee's and are binding, you can not make changes with out appealing to that company, the airline can not help you especially if you book with Priceline, Cheap Tickets, Hotwire and Lowestfare to name a few. On top of that they dont show you the flights or connections before you purchase and you could end up having a 4 hr lay over somewhere.

I worked for an airline for many years and it is the first time uneducated traveler that gets burned. If you'd like some help, shoot me an e-mail with your travel dates and I'll help you find the best ticket for your money and time.

All tickets are electronic, under no circumstances should you opt for a paper ticket. That is like money in hand and if you lose it, your up a creek. Travel agents charge fee's as well, but should you choose to use on, again...no paper tickets. Always go electronic or E-ticket. You wont need a paper anything, just bring your itinerary OR all you will need is your ID and know your flight numbers and departure times.

Answer 4

First, travel agents do NOT get paid by airlines today. Nor do the online sites. That's why there's always a service fee. However, recent research turned up that the average person who buys a ticket on the Internet pays $70 more for it than the average person who gets their ticket thru a travel agent. We're professionals, we know where to look, and we have access to search tools the public doesn't. The person who talked about some 7% markup doesn't know what he's talking about. That hasn't been true for at least 10 years!
If you buy your ticket from the Internet you're acting as your own travel agent and you're on your own if you need any help before, during, and after your travel.
A good travel agent can arrange your ground transportation in Richmond, too.
If you need help, go to www.magiccarpet.travel and contact us thru the website contact page.

Answer 5

First of all the best way to fly is with what is called an "Electronic Ticket". That means that you don't have a piece of paper to keep tabs on. You simply have your reservation number. You don't even have to remember the reservation number because yoy make your reservation using a credit card and the airline computer revervation system remembers all of your flight info in its memory.

First go to an airline web site for one or more or the airlines flying out if Indy and see what flights they have and how much. Then make your reservation on the airline sight right online by just following the instructions. When they ask if you want an "E" ticket, respond yes. Print a copy of your reservation so gthat you know your flight numbers and times.

When you get to the airport there will be automated ticket machines for your airline. Just insert your credit card that you made the reservation with and follow the instructions on screen. It will let you select tags for each bag you check and also look at your seat assignments.

The "E" tickets will get you through the lines much quicker. The airline web site will save you at least $10 ticket over sites like Expedia and Travelocity. If your plans change its much easier to get a resolution directly with the airline.

Answer 6

Having a electronic ticket is best to have. Having paper ticket is a hassle to have and you have to hold your paper ticket, plus your boarding passes to go on the plane.

Go on the internet and that is the best way. Some air fares are already discounted, so no worries for you.

If you have problems purchasing your ticket, call the 1-800 number and the customer service will assist you from there.

Answer 7

I've always had the best luck with travel agents.

They'll give you the best options, best prices, and many times, they'll give you the ticket too. If not, then you can pick it up at the airport.

Good luck. Don't worry. You'll be fine.

Answer 8

check Expedia.com, travelocity.com, orbitz.com and other travel sites. Also call your local flight brokers (look under "airline ticket agencies" in the phone book), they may have cheaper prices than the internet. Also, on occasion calling the airline itself is cheapest, but not usually. Check them all out.

Answer 9

If this is your first time, i will suggest that you contact a travel agency to help you arrange all the travel needs. So this will ensure that you arrive correctly at your destination. After travelling a few times, you will have known how you can do it yourself.

Best to be guided first.

Answer 10

well you can start by searching the internet. go to the airlines web sites. you can also try using travelocity. there are many ways to look for airfare. good luck