Book a flight ticket

✅ Key Criteria for Booking a Flight on Aviasales

1. Total Fare (Including Taxes & Fees)

• Make sure the final price includes:

  • Airport taxes

  • Fuel surcharges

  • Booking or service fees

• Some third-party OTAs (online travel agencies) listed on Aviasales may show lower base fares, but add hidden fees at checkout.

✅ Tip: Click through to the final booking page of the OTA or airline to verify total cost before paying.

2. Baggage Allowance

• Many low-cost airlines charge separately for:

  • Checked baggage

  • Cabin luggage

  • Seat selection

• Always check what's included in your fare class.

✈️ Example: Pegasus Airlines (Turkey) may offer a cheap fare with no luggage included, while Turkish Airlines typically includes 20–25 kg.

3. Connection Times & Layovers

• Avoid very short connections (<1 hour) or long overnight layovers unless you're prepared.

• Look at:

  • Layover airport location (visa/transit requirements)

  • Whether you need to change terminals or re-check bags

  • If you are changing airlines, you might not be protected by a single ticket.

🚨 Risk: If you self-connect on two separate tickets, delays on the first leg could cause you to miss the second flight without compensation.

4. Airline Reliability & Reviews

• Check for:

  • On-time performance

  • Reputation for customer service

  • COVID/post-pandemic refund policies

• Smaller or unknown airlines may offer cheap tickets but may not provide support in case of disruption.

💡 Use sites like Skytrax or Trustpilot for quick checks on airline reliability.

5. Fare Rules (Changes, Cancellation)

• Pay attention to:

  • Whether the ticket is refundable or non-refundable

  • Change fees and whether date changes are allowed

  • If you need flexibility, filter by “Free cancellation” or “Flexible ticket” from Aviasales

6. Visa/Transit Requirements

• Make sure to:

  • Check transit visa requirements for all layover countries

  • Avoid booking itineraries with airport changes across cities (e.g. London Heathrow → Gatwick)

✈️ Some layovers may require a visa even if you don’t leave the airport, especially in the UK, USA, or Canada.

7. Departure/Arrival Airport Details

• Some cities have multiple airports. Check:

  • Distance from the city center

  • Accessibility (public transport, taxi cost)

  • Flight times and arrival hours (e.g., some airports shut down transport after midnight)

🛑 Example: Booking a flight to “Istanbul” could mean IST or SAW—90 minutes apart.

8. Customer Service Support

• Aviasales redirects you to OTAs or airlines—it does not handle your booking directly.

• Before choosing a booking site, check:

  • Their support options (phone/chat)

  • Refund/exchange policy

  • Customer service ratings

✅ Bookings can also be made directly with the airline when possible.

📋 Bonus Travel Tips

• 💳 Use credit cards for payment (better fraud protection and dispute rights)

• 📧 Always save and screenshot your booking confirmation and e-ticket

• ⏰ Set flight alerts with Aviasales for price drops if your trip is flexible

• 📲 Download the airline’s app for real-time flight updates, mobile check-in, etc.