When booking airfare, you may do your research and read all the fine print, but don’t lose out on booking the best deals. Our travel professionals aren’t fooled by these travel myths:
Top airfare myths
Myth #1: Travel Agents Don’t Always Find the Best Rates
At Christopherson Business Travel, our agents always find the lowest available rate for our clients. Not to mention, travel agents have tricks up their sleeves that automated websites have never even heard of! Why not let a professional do the shopping?
Myth #2: Non-Refundable Airfare is Always Non-Refundable
Technically, the rule says airlines must either hold a quoted fare for 24 hours OR allow travelers to cancel within 24 hours. Almost all airlines offer a full refund without penalty if you cancel within 24 hours of booking. The exception is American Airlines who have opted for the “hold” program that allows customers to put a ticket on hold for 24 hours before booking. Additionally, non-refundable fares are fully refundable if the flight is cancelled, significantly delayed, or if the airline makes a significant schedule change prior to departure. Fortunately, when you book through an agency like Christopherson Business Travel, an agent acts as the liaison between you and the airline, so you’ll stay up-to-date on all the details of your travel and have someone to help address any necessary changes!
Myth #3: Lap Children Always Fly Free
On domestic flights, yes, but travelers are required to pay 10% of the applicable adult fare on international flights for small children who will share your seat. Also, if you fly on a free award ticket in business class with a small child, it will cost you 10% of the business class fare which might be hundreds of dollars.
It’s things like these that make travel agents so valuable–they know the rules!
Myth #4: Booking Directly with Airline Websites Will Get You the Best Fares
Airline websites won’t tell you that it’s cheaper for you to fly via their airline one way and their competitor another, but a travel agent will and they’ll even let you book the trip in one transaction. Talk about resourceful!
