Booking a flight? Here's what to keep in mind!

On my last trip, I spent eight months traveling solo. I had just broken up with my partner, finished my studies, and honestly had no idea what to do with my life. You know that feeling, right? I was 20 years old and felt like I needed to do something completely out of character. One night, while I was cooking with my dad, we started talking about travel. And then it hit me: “Why not? I’ll just book that one-way ticket and see what happens.” A few clicks later, I had my ticket, and my adventure began.

But how do you actually book a cheap flight? And what should you watch out for? Let me share my tips!

Compare flight prices (obviously!)

This might sound like a no-brainer, but one of the best ways to find cheap flights is by comparing prices. Websites like Kiwi.com do the hard work by showing you different airlines side by side, but I personally love doing my own search too. Sometimes, you’ll find hidden gems if you take the time to look. And here’s a fun fact: sometimes a round-trip is cheaper than a one-way ticket. Weird, right? But it’s definitely worth checking both options.

Check the baggage policy (seriously, do it!)

One of the biggest hassles while traveling is baggage. Some airlines let you bring less luggage, especially if you book a one-way flight. And if you’ve got a layover, double-check that your bags will be transferred automatically to your next flight. You don’t want your luggage left behind while you’re already halfway across the world. Total nightmare!

Direct flight or layover? Make the smart choice!

A direct flight sounds ideal, but sometimes flights with a layover are way cheaper. And let’s be real—if you can save 100 euros, wouldn’t you rather spend that on something fun during your trip? Personally, I don’t mind a little extra travel time if it means saving money. So, always weigh your options: direct flight or layover?

Is your flight ticket flexible?

Especially when booking a one-way ticket, it’s smart to see if your ticket is flexible. Imagine booking months in advance and then suddenly your plans change. It’d be super annoying if you couldn’t change your flight without paying a fortune, right? A flexible ticket can save you a lot of stress in that case.

Visa and entry requirements (ugh, I know...)

Oh yeah, another thing you can’t skip: visa and entry requirements. Some countries want proof of onward travel, even if you’ve booked a one-way flight. But don’t worry, there’s a little trick for this. You can use certain services to buy a ‘fake’ onward ticket for a small fee, just to show at the border. Easy, right? No one can tell the difference.

Earn points with frequent flyer programs

If you fly often, check if the airline has a frequent flyer program. You can earn points, and those points might save you some cash or even get you upgrades later on. I mean, why not take advantage of those perks if it’s free?

Get good travel insurance

Trust me, you’ll want decent travel insurance when you’re flying. Things can go wrong—delays, cancellations, or worse, standing at the wrong gate (yep, that’s happened to me more than once!). With good insurance, these situations are way less stressful. Honestly, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

With these flight booking tips, you’ll be able to book your next one-way ticket with confidence and avoid any unexpected issues. Hopefully, I’ve helped you out, and you’re now ready to take that leap! Happy travel planning!