Travel 🏠

Booking tips

 Flights

School holidays in England

Prices are typically higher during this period - exact dates are school specific

💡 Fares during 1 week school holidays generally cheaper than 2-4 weeks holidays in comparison.

All direct flights from an airport

https://www.flightsfrom.com/LHR

 

💡 Open jaw or multi-city tickets (without backtracking) may be cheaper or more convenient than return via same airport.

💡 Price may be cheaper if you carry cabin luggage 🧳 only.

 

Flight search

 

Direct URLs

Multiple destinations at once

skyscanner.net/transport/d/LHR/2024-12-19/CCU/CCU/2025-01-02/LHR

Show all flights between places in given date range

kayak.co.uk/flights/CCU-LHR/2022-09-13/2023-02-13

momondo.co.uk/flight-search/CCU-LON/2022-09-19/2023-02-13

google.com/travel/flights?q=flights%20from%20LON%20to%20CCU%20on%202025-07-25

Search where you can go under a set price

kayak.co.uk/explore/LON-anywhere/20230401,20230409?budget=1000&stops=1

Airline classes 💺

Airline ticket price is based on price segmentation rule.

Typical price ratio between classes (roughly):

Economy : Premium Economy : Business : First = 1 : 1.5 : 3 : 9

Airline seats are priced for 3 things – transport, space & luxury 

Transport is same for all classes as they all take you to same destination!

ISO2 country code list https://www.iban.com/country-codes

 

Compensation for flight delay

https://www.bottonline.co.uk/flight-delay-compensation/claim-guides/eu-regulation-261-2004

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/advice/flight-cancelled-delayed-how-claim-compensation/ 

 

Flight forums

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowForum-g1-i10702-Air_Travel.html 

https://www.airliners.net/forum/ 

How early to book flights?

Convention may dictate that sooner you book less you pay, but this tale is not always true. For some journeys booking too early may not get you cheapest price. Also, booking too early has risk of airline re-scheduling flights (you can get a refund or must accept rescheduled flights). In some parts of the worlds from 6-month early to 1-month early price remains fairly constant. Smaller airlines may go bust or not have replacement aircrafts if there is breakdown of an aircraft. If your itinerary contains multiple flights between places, then cancellation of one flight may cause domino effect and jeopardize your whole plan. For multiple destination flights it makes sense to add buffer days to mitigate flight cancellation risks.

Booking thru airlines direct versus 3rd parties 🎫

Your contract with whom you have paid. So, if you book flight ticket via third party website, then your contract is with them and not the airline. So, in case of problems like flight rebooking etc. the airline might ask you to contact the agent/third party instead.

However, in case when third party provides you with booking reference or PNR you may be able to deal with airlines directly but it is not guaranteed.

Some airlines, especially low-cost carriers, does not allow brokers and you must book with them directly.

How 3rd party agents can offer cheaper prices?

Sometimes agents buy seats in bulk i.e. they get wholesale price, rather than retail (= higher) price. Then they re-sell those seats 💺 to customers. Be aware that sometimes agent price can be higher than direct booking with airlines. 

How to survive in long haul flights 💺

1.    If you cannot physically fit comfortably in economy class seat then opt for premium economy or business class seat.

2.    Change your watch time to destination time soon after take-off. This will help you to avoid jet lag and will prepare your body when you arrive at destination.

3.    Wear comfortable clothes like 👖 jeans, shirt with pockets and a light jacket, if necessary.

4.    Consume food & drink carefully to avoid going toilet 🚽 too frequently.

5.    You don't need to carry travel pillow; most airline seats headrests can fold to stop your head from moving.

6.    Carry USB phone charger cable in your pocket. In most airlines you can charge your phone 📱 in flight. Full battery 🔋 is beneficial when you arrive in your destination.

7.    Reach airport early so that no to panic if you are late.

8.    Keep buckled all the time. Turbulence can occur anytime!

9.    If you can't sleep well in aircraft or bored of watching movies, then think. Long haul flights are great for thinking because in day-to-day life it is often difficult to concentrate or focus on something in your mind.

10. Drink water/soft drink but avoid alcohol 🍷.

11. Walk in the aisle 🚶🏻‍♂️ for exercise for very long flights.

12. Fill up immigration/customs forms in flight, if possible, to save time upon landing.

13. Pack your cabin bag lightly but keep provisions for delays up to 24 hours.

14. If you need medicine 💊 keep them handy in trouser pockets or cabin bags.

15. If seat reclines, then use it for sleeping but avoid causing discomfort to passenger seating behind.

 

 Trains 🚂

Always check country specific railway websites.

·         Europe

o    https://www.raileurope.com/

·         India

o    https://www.irctc.co.in/

·         USA

o    https://www.amtrak.com/