Flights

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.