Home > Our Publications > Travel Australia and New Zealand > Go Australia & New Zealand > February 2004

THE WORLD of booking flights seems a minefield and it's just pot luck whether you get a good deal or not.
This guide will help you through the process of booking your flight and finding a fair flight deal
Be Flexible
Your travel agent will need key information from you before they can give you a price: Such as your UK departure date; your final destination and any required stopovers.
If you can be flexible with any of them you may be able to save considerable amounts of money. For example another choice of stopover destination or departing a week or two earlier or later could make all the difference to a fare.
Ring Around
The key advice to finding a good deal is to ring around at least 5 different agencies. Most agencies will have the same contract with an airline but commission will vary between agents.
The information given to you will also depend on the individual consultant that you speak to, so if you like them and find them helpful remember to take their name.
Agency Bonding
Always check if the agent you book through is bonded. ATOL and ABTA are bonding companies for travel agencies. They ensure your money is safe should that agency go into liquidation.
Last Minute Deals
Some people think that holding off until the last minute before you book your flight gets you the cheapest possible fare, but this is just not true. The best long-haul flight offers come up weeks or even months in advance of the travel date.
The general rule is the earlier you book the cheaper your ticket will be. Just be aware if you book a special offer it is normal the agent could require your money straight away, so save up early!
Holding an Option
If an agent offers to hold an option for you without taking a deposit then take it! You're not obliged to take the flight and the extra time you'll have to consider the flights could prove invaluable. After some thought maybe the 12 hour stopover in Calcutta in the middle of the night just isn't worth the £50 you'll be saving.
Most agents can email the flight itinerary to you immediately after they've booked it which is a great idea especially if you need to discuss plans with your travel partner.
Special Offer Tickets
Special offer tickets are what everyone is after but always check what restrictions your ticket has before paying. Check the duration of the ticket validity, be aware of minimum and maximum stay restrictions.
Cancellation fees may be high, tickets are very rarely 100 per cent refundable, as soon as you have paid in full these conditions will apply. Amendment charges for date changes, re-routing etc. might be higher the less you paid for your ticket.