With an increased number of market players, the price-based competition has also raised in previous few years in the aviation industry. Now, people can easily book cheapest air tickets by comparing the cost of reserving seats with different airlines. The automation and online booking has brought transparency in the entire reservation process along with simplifying the booking method. Today, tourists can book tickets to any destination across the globe by simply clicking the mouse a few times. This has increased the reach of fliers and a large number of people book tickets online; hence, getting the desired seat is becoming tough day by day. Here are a few tips that can help them in getting a better seating, which is a vital part of a comfortable journey.
How does it function?
Upgrade comes at a price, be it cash, elite status or frequent flier miles or all of it. Elite frequent fliers are given priority in most of the cases. The empty first-class seats are allotted to travellers, who apply for an upgrade. Hence, the chance of getting a better seat depends totally on the number of vacant seats in the first-class. Frequent travellers suggest to book flight tickets with the one airline or alliance and their associates instead of going for different carriers each time. Over a period a time, these accumulated points can be used to avail facilities at the airport, priority seat assignments as well as change in the seating arrangement. Carriers come up with different plans every other day, but before opting for lower air fares, it is advised to compare complimentary benefits as well.
The second point that has to be kept in the mind while choosing a flight is traffic during the travel dates. As per frequent travellers, booking a seat for weekdays or at times when rush is low assures a comparatively empty flight, hence the desired seating. Other than this, carriers offer several deals in these times to woo travellers, which may further reduce the cost of travel.
Tourists can go through the rules and regulations of the airline regarding amendment in the bookings before grabbing the deal. At times, spending just a few extra bucks may provide a higher cabin class. On the other hand, many a time it may prove a costly affair to change the travel date. Upgrade in the last minute may be cheap as at that time the load factor becomes important for the carriers. Hence, tracking the flight status till end can assure a cheaper ticket for a higher class. Carriers often go for some extra cash instead of giving away the seat for free.
Tourists who do not want to take a risk regarding their comfort during the journey can opt for Y-UP fares. These are full fare coach tickets costlier than Economy Class, but cheaper than first-class (F), and are automatically upgraded to F if seat is available in that coach. Paying for Y-UP fares removes the uncertainty that may be annoying for a lot of travellers.
Nguyen An Tra My
Martin Wynn
