More questions frequent flyers asked: when to buy, seats, miles and schedule changes
In early October we read along in one of the largest frequent-flyer communities online for a few days. Our first summary covered lounges, tight connections and travel warnings. These five questions came up just as often.
1. “Should I book business class now or wait for a sale?”
There is no safe day to wait for: fares move with demand, and sales come and go. Decide which price you would be happy with, watch the route, and book when it gets there. A flexible fare costs more, but lets you rebook if a better price appears later.
2. “Is it worth paying for a seat?”
Seat maps differ a lot between aircraft, even within one airline. Check the aircraft type and the seat map for your flight before you pay. In many business cabins, some pairs suit couples and window seats suit solo travelers.
3. “My miles are about to expire.”
Many programs cancel miles after a period without activity. In most of them, earning or spending any miles resets that clock, and a small purchase through a partner can be enough. Your program’s terms give the exact period.
4. “The airline changed my flight again.”
Each change is a new decision: accept it, ask for another flight, or ask for your money back. On flights to, from or within the US, a change of three hours or more on a domestic flight or six hours or more on an international one counts as significant, as do a different airport, an extra connection or a lower class of service. If you decline it, you get a refund. If the airline cancels a flight covered by EU Regulation 261/2004, you choose between a refund and a new flight, and the airline owes you meals and, if needed, a hotel while you wait.
5. “Will my bag go through on a codeshare?”
On one ticket, bags are usually checked through to your final destination, even when two airlines operate the flights. On separate tickets, ask at check-in; often you have to collect your bag and check it in again.
The hotel angle
One of these questions is about timing a price, and one is about plans that change after booking. Hotels work the same way. Book a rate with free cancellation, and Hotel-Tracker.com tells you if the same room gets cheaper before your stay.
