trucker den Posted February 25, 2018 #1 Share Posted February 25, 2018 My wife and I have a cruise booked out of San Juan next year. We have only flown once before for our honeymoon 18 years ago. And everything was taken care of for us as a wedding present. So naturally I have a lot to learn about booking flights. How far in advance should I book to get the best price? What is the difference between economy, premium economy, and business class? Is baggage included in any of the classes? What are some websites I should be checking to get the best price? Is there anything else I should know? Any and all help will be appreciated. TIA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2theship Posted February 25, 2018 #2 Share Posted February 25, 2018 A lot depends on where you are flying from. If you are in a city serviced by Southwest, you will get two free bags each. I'm a big fan of Southwest and fly them often but we also check fares on other airlines because the price is sometimes better even with paying the luggage fee. Also, Southwest has its own unique check-in and boarding system that, while not particularly complicated, can be confusing to a first-timer. Most other airlines only offer free luggage to business class or higher. If you're flying domestically, it's probably not worth the extra cost. If you're coming from Europe, it might be worth it to have the extra comfortable seat. Be sure to check out "Flights by Celebrity" (formerly Choice Air) to see what they offer. You can look to see what your flight options without making any financial commitment. That will give you an idea of which airlines best service your home airport and SJU and some ballpark pricing. Then, you can go to the various airlines' websites and check out the cost of booking directly. If you do happen to be in a Southwest market, note that the only way to book them is to do it directly with the airline. Remember, planning is half the fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trucker den Posted February 25, 2018 Author #3 Share Posted February 25, 2018 I should of mentioned. We will be flying out of Newark or Philadelphia. Whatever is cheaper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Talex831 Posted February 25, 2018 #4 Share Posted February 25, 2018 It won’t cost you anymore to engage a travel agent if you really aren’t sure where to begin. I love to plan and control my own bookings, but it’s not for everyone. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mousefansmom Posted February 25, 2018 #5 Share Posted February 25, 2018 A lot depends on where you are flying from. If you are in a city serviced by Southwest, you will get two free bags each. I'm a big fan of Southwest and fly them often but we also check fares on other airlines because the price is sometimes better even with paying the luggage fee. Also, Southwest has its own unique check-in and boarding system that, while not particularly complicated, can be confusing to a first-timer. Most other airlines only offer free luggage to business class or higher. If you're flying domestically, it's probably not worth the extra cost. If you're coming from Europe, it might be worth it to have the extra comfortable seat. Be sure to check out "Flights by Celebrity" (formerly Choice Air) to see what they offer. You can look to see what your flight options without making any financial commitment. That will give you an idea of which airlines best service your home airport and SJU and some ballpark pricing. Then, you can go to the various airlines' websites and check out the cost of booking directly. If you do happen to be in a Southwest market, note that the only way to book them is to do it directly with the airline. Remember, planning is half the fun! Excellent advice! Just wanted to add that hopper and Google flights are good places to check. Also sometimes it is cheaper to fly on certain days of the week, so for example, flying out on Wednesday night vs. Thursday might be 100s of dollars cheaper (with a hotel night cost so keep that in mind). Finally, Celebrity Air for some reason is frequently cheaper if you book two, one way flights instead of a round trip. We frequently will check one-way flights on all airlines- it isn't unusual for us to fly out in one airline and back on another. Good luck! Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare hcat Posted February 25, 2018 #6 Share Posted February 25, 2018 There is also a thread on flying at main Cruise Critic board...helpful to check there as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gerelmx Posted February 25, 2018 #7 Share Posted February 25, 2018 Each company has its baggage policies, and they vary depending on where the flight originates and ends, I suggest you check the details on the page of the different aviation companies. AA here at MTY charges $25 for the first documented bag, up to 23 Kg and limited measures. and free you can carry your hand luggage. To fly to San Juan there are no non-stop flights from town, so we use as a stopover city, Miami or Dallas. I you fly in business or premier class the documented baggage is free Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Talex831 Posted February 25, 2018 #8 Share Posted February 25, 2018 I should of mentioned. We will be flying out of Newark or Philadelphia. Whatever is cheaper. We are flying United from Newark to San Juan. They have non-stop flights. JetBlue also has non-stop to San Juan from Newark. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted February 25, 2018 #9 Share Posted February 25, 2018 No one can know for sure whether the price will go up or down. Much of it comes down to supply and demand. I check prices for a period of time and then finally book it. I don't wait till the last minute because I want to be able to have options in terms of seat selection and certain times of the year the flights fill up sooner rather then later. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkjretired Posted February 25, 2018 #10 Share Posted February 25, 2018 I should of mentioned. We will be flying out of Newark or Philadelphia. Whatever is cheaper. Check into Atlantic City, May be even cheaper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dabear Posted February 25, 2018 #11 Share Posted February 25, 2018 With your limited experience traveling , IMHO, i suggest that you work with a good travel agent who can answer your questions and coordinate your goals in your price range. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gerelmx Posted February 25, 2018 #12 Share Posted February 25, 2018 I don't wait till the last minute because I want to be able to have options in terms of seat selection and certain times of the year the flights fill up sooner rather then later. Keith Agree. When there is only one direct flight to your destination, it is best to buy them as soon as possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hrhdhd Posted February 25, 2018 #13 Share Posted February 25, 2018 [if] you fly in business or premier class the documented baggage is free How much is an undocumented bag? :confused::confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mom says Posted February 25, 2018 #14 Share Posted February 25, 2018 How much is an undocumented bag? :confused::confused: Don't know why he used that term. He's referring to checked bags. Depending on the airline, premium economy may also include a free checked bag. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gerelmx Posted February 25, 2018 #15 Share Posted February 25, 2018 How much is an undocumented bag? :confused::confused: 1 carry on is free Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RetiredCruiser2015 Posted February 25, 2018 #16 Share Posted February 25, 2018 Another thing to consider is flying the day before the cruise departs, especially if you are booking yourself and not through CruiseAir with Celebrity. That way if your flight has issue, you will have a day of cushion. Also like the recommendation to talk with a travel agent. Navigating various airlines and options can be confusing if you are not used to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trucker den Posted February 25, 2018 Author #17 Share Posted February 25, 2018 Is it better to book early or after final payment Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Talex831 Posted February 25, 2018 #18 Share Posted February 25, 2018 Is it better to book early or after final payment Book your flights as soon as you see a price you’re okay paying. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nachosdelux Posted February 25, 2018 #19 Share Posted February 25, 2018 Another thing to consider is flying the day before the cruise departs, especially if you are booking yourself and not through CruiseAir with Celebrity. That way if your flight has issue, you will have a day of cushion.Also like the recommendation to talk with a travel agent. Navigating various airlines and options can be confusing if you are not used to it. This is the best advice given. Absolutely do this if your schedule allows. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trucker den Posted February 25, 2018 Author #20 Share Posted February 25, 2018 This is the best advice given. Absolutely do this if your schedule allows. Yes we were absolutely planning on doing this. Especially since it is a night in San Juan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nachosdelux Posted February 25, 2018 #21 Share Posted February 25, 2018 Check Southwest Airlines prices on their website (the only place to find/book their flights) Check the other airlines on Google Flights. When ready to book, do so DIRECTLY on the respective airline's website. Be careful of "links" purporting to take you there. Often they make take you to a 3rd party site. Do not book on a 3rd party site (Expedia etc). Alternately use a travel agent. Do not book more than 1 connection (not worth the savings vs the risk of problems/misconnection) I do not know your budget, but for your itinerary I would save $$ and book economy. You can always pay more for extra legroom seats. There are websites that can tell you historic fares, so you can get a good idea of what to expect. Generally best fares are 2-4 months out but that varies considerably, so if you find a decent fare, book it. Some nice things about Southwest: 2 free checked bags (per person) decent legroom in all seats (compared to economy on other airlines) if you make a change to the flight, there are no additional fees. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silkroad Posted February 25, 2018 #22 Share Posted February 25, 2018 You’ve received a lot of great advice, but I’ll add my 2 cents worth. You asked about the different airline classes. They differ between airlines, but premium economy or economy plus typically give 3 inches more legroom than an economy or coach seat. I myself fly coach for short flights like yours, but economy plus for long flights (East coast to UK or Hawaii for example). Be sure you check your airline baggage restrictions (including bag dimensions). Using United as an example, for our first cruise in 2006, we were allowed one checked bag weighing up to 70lbs per person. Fast forward to last year, when United limited us to only one 50lb checked bag per person. The airlines have gotten stricter about bag dimensions too, even for carry on bags. I use sites others have mentioned, as well as Expedia, to compare prices with those shown on airline or ChoiceAir sites, but I typically book directly with the airline. I’ve only used ChoiceAir once, for airfare for a TA. Also, Seatguru is a great place to check when deciding on seats (especially useful for long flights). Some people prefer travel agents and booking sites, but I prefer dealing directly with airlines and hotels. Most of all, I hope you and your wife have a fantastic cruise! Cheers:cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trucker den Posted February 25, 2018 Author #23 Share Posted February 25, 2018 There is also a thread on flying at main Cruise Critic board...helpful to check there as well. I'm going to have to check that out. thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doctor G Posted February 25, 2018 #24 Share Posted February 25, 2018 I use ITA software, airfare search to look at all the possible flights and prices. Sorry I can't tell you the web address; I have it bookmarked and can't remember how I got there; it's the aging mind :D. I also love seatguru.com. You can view the seats on every airplane and get a description of the seat including dimensions. You do need to know either a flight number or what type of plane you will be on to get to the specific information. Have a wonderful cruise. Carolyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nachosdelux Posted February 25, 2018 #25 Share Posted February 25, 2018 I use ITA software, airfare search to look at all the possible flights and prices. Sorry I can't tell you the web address;Carolyn http://matrix.itasoftware.com great website. keep in mind it does not search ALL airlines (Southwest, plus a few others) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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