How to Book Flights Online

Find cheap flights, compare airlines, and book tickets with confidence.

In this guide (8 steps):

1.Use comparison sites
2.Search with flexible dates
3.Set price alerts
4.Book directly with the airline
5.Choose your seat
6.Check in online
7.Know the baggage rules
8.Travel insurance

Use comparison sites

~15s

Google Flights (google.com/flights) is the easiest way to compare all airlines at once. Also try Kayak, Skyscanner, and Hopper. These show prices across multiple airlines in one search.

Search with flexible dates

~15s

On Google Flights, click "Date Grid" or "Price Graph" to see which days are cheapest. Flying Tuesday or Wednesday is usually cheaper than Friday or Sunday.

Set price alerts

~15s

On Google Flights, toggle "Track Prices." You'll get email notifications when prices drop for your route. Book when you see a good price — waiting rarely helps.

Book directly with the airline

~15s

After finding a good price on a comparison site, book directly at the airline's website. Direct bookings are easier to change or cancel and you earn frequent flyer miles.

Choose your seat

~15s

After booking, go to the airline's website or app to select your seat. Window and aisle seats fill first. Some airlines charge for seat selection — basic economy tickets often don't include it.

Check in online

~15s

Most airlines let you check in 24 hours before departure via their app or website. Get your boarding pass on your phone. Arrive at the airport 2 hours early for domestic, 3 hours for international.

Know the baggage rules

~15s

Personal item (purse/backpack): usually free. Carry-on bag: free on most airlines, $30-45 on budget carriers. Checked bags: $30-40 for the first bag on most US airlines. Southwest: 2 free checked bags.