Skip Navigation LinksHome > SSW Standards > Rules > SSW Rules to Websites - Rules to Booking Better Flights
I've been putting together Development Guidelines for my employer and in the process have reviewed many published standards (in the .Net arena) from around the world. In each category, the suggestions at SSW are always among the best. Leon Bambrick -
 

Do you agree with them all? Are we missing some? Let us know what you think.

Rules to Booking Better Flights

  1. Do you know the general tips for booking flights?
  2. Do you know how to booking better flights?
  3. Do you know how to booking better flights from Australia to the US?
  4. Do you know how to booking better flights within Australia?
  5. Do you know how to booking better flights within the US?

  1. Do you know the general tips for booking flights?

    1. Wherever possible, book direct flights, and try to minimize connection times.
    2. Wherever possible, try to get flexible flights in case they need to be changed.
    3. Appointments - Enter all the flight details in an appointment - include both the departure time (for the person flying) and the arrival time (for the person picking up the passenger)
    4. Appointments - If accomodation is also required then enter the accomodation details into another appointment
    5. Appointments - When sending the appointment, invite any relevant parties even though they may not be flying
      eg. the Boss' wife would like to know when she is flying out and coming home
    6. Appointments - Make sure the departure time is in the message of the appointment.
    7. Appointments - Make sure you include any unusual information about the flight.
      eg. You are not flying with your preferred airline because xxx.... or As per our conversation you are flying via Melbourne because xxx....
    8. Appointments - Always include the price of the ticket in the appointment.
    9. When booking flights, know the preferred time
      eg. Some people prefer 10am flights, some are not keen on overnight flights
    10. When booking, always ask for an exit row or a window seat.
      eg. Some people have 19" laptops and it is hard to open in other seating.
    11. Avoid Paper tickets - they are hard to change. Go for E-tickets
    12. When booking, leave an option to upgrade to business class
      Note: On Qantas this can only happen if you have avoided the evil fare types of N, O, or Q (aka ReadyDeal fare)
    13. Before finalising the booking always get written confirmation by having you boss sign a print-out of the itinerary or via email or IM.

  2. Do you know how to book better flights?

    STEPS:

    1. Visit the sites below
    2. Enter the destinations with corresponding dates to receive a quote from each site
    3. Use the quotes to locate the best price or deal.
      4. These are the best sites to check in order of preference: These are the best sites for flights within the US
    4. As a further step, give the planned itinerary to a travel agent to investigate flights. In many cases, they are able to provide better deals and are aware of specials and discounts for the planned travel. Be sure to do your own research first Be sure to let the travel agent know about the preferences of the traveller e.g. preferred airline, travel times, etc. as per Do you know the general tips for booking flights?
    5. Compare all alternatives researched and select 3 of the best options to choose from. Make a reccomendation for the option you feel is best (with reasons) and give to your boss to get his/her approval and initial before booking.

    NOTE:

    • Some travel companies, such as Flight Centre, are able to match or beat the prices quoted by thier competitors so be sure to ask them for a competetive fare. See Booking Online Versus Using a Travel Agent
    • Make sure that before comparing the prices the quotes include all the taxes/ surcharges/fees
    • Ensure that the quotes you receive are ‘flexible’ ( i.e. they provide an option to alter the travelling dates once the tickets are purchased)
    • Remember to convert all prices to Australian dollars when comparing quotes, by using the SSW Currency Converter.
    • Avoid Paper tickets - they are hard to change. Go for E-tickets

  3. Do you know how to booking better flights from Australia to US?

    1. Follow the steps 1-3 above to receive quotes for the destinations required from every site e.g. Sydney to Seattle
    2. Then repeat the steps 1-3 again, with the following changes:
      • Create a first quote to travel from Sydney to Honolulu (return)
      • Create a second quote to travel from Honolulu to any US domestic destination required
      • e.g. Honolulu to Seattle
      • Add the two quotes together to receive a final quote
    Compare the quotes generated from points A and B and select the cheapest one.

  4. Do you know how to booking better flights within Australia?

    Follow the steps 1-3 above.

  5. Do you know how to booking better flights within US?

    Follow the steps 1-3 above. Focus primarily on the US websites.

Acknowledgements

Adam Cogan


Benefit from our knowledge and experience!

SSW is the industry leader in Custom Software Development, Software Auditing & Developer Training.

Call us on +61 2 9953 3000 or email us for a free consultation

What does it cost? I’m not in Australia. Can you still help?