Smart Tips for Buying International Airline Tickets from The Traveling Professor
Book Directly with the Airline
Avoid third-party booking sites like Expedia or Orbitz. If there’s a delay, cancellation, or schedule change, airlines often give priority support to those who booked directly. When tickets are bought through a third party, airlines may refuse to assist and refer you back to the booking site—where help can be slow or nonexistent. Already know your flight number? Visit www.flight.info to check schedules, aircraft types, in-flight amenities, and more.
Be Flexible with Routing
Airfare pricing doesn’t always make sense. Sometimes flying through another city can save hundreds. For example, on a recent Traveling Professor small group tour to Paris, a direct round-trip from JFK to Paris might cost over $1,000. But starting your trip in Boston, with a connection through JFK on the same flight, could reduce the fare dramatically. Explore nearby airports and alternate routes for lower prices.
Buy the Middle Seat for Extra Space
Want more room without splurging on Premium Economy or Business Class? If you're traveling with a partner, book the window and aisle seat in a 3-seat row—and buy the middle seat too. It’s often cheaper than an upgraded class, especially since unoccupied seats incur fewer taxes. Bonus tip: sometimes you can even use miles to book that extra seat.
Ignore the "Tuesday or Thursday" Myth
There’s no magic day to buy airline tickets. However, the best time to purchase international airfare is generally about 3 months before departure.
Round-Trip Fares Are Often Cheaper than One-Way
It may sound counterintuitive, but a one-way fare can cost much more than round-trip. For instance, a one-way coach ticket from JFK to Paris might be over $3,300, while adding a return flight drops the total to around $730. This quirk mostly applies to major carriers like Delta, American, British Airways, and United.
Consider Alternate Airports
Flying from or into a nearby airport can lead to big savings. On one of his Peru and Machu Picchu small group tours, The Professor found direct flight from JFK to Lima might cost $866, but booking out of LaGuardia with a layover in Miami could bring it down to $635. Similarly, flying from Philadelphia to Munich may run $1,369, while the same trip from Boston could cost just $628—saving you over $700.