Flight booking checklist: what to verify before you pay
Before payment, verify the traveler information and the complete itinerary against the documents and travel plans you will actually use.
Traveler names
Enter each traveler's name carefully and compare it with the identification or travel document that will be used for the trip. Airline name-correction policies vary, so catching an error before purchase is easier than correcting it later.
Dates, airports and direction
Confirm the departure and return dates, origin and destination airports, and whether the itinerary is one-way or round trip. Pay particular attention to cities served by multiple airports.
Connections and arrival timing
Review each segment, connection duration and arrival date. Overnight flights and time-zone changes can make the arrival calendar date different from the departure date.
Fare and baggage rules
Check the fare category, baggage allowance, seat conditions and change/cancellation restrictions. These conditions are part of the purchase decision, not just the headline fare.
Contact information and final amount
Verify the email address and phone number used for booking communications and review the final amount before authorizing payment. Keep the booking reference and airline confirmation information after purchase.
Search your actual route and dates. Availability, fare rules and prices can change.
Search flights
Related GoTripDeals guides
This guide is general travel information. Airline fare rules, baggage policies, change conditions and availability vary by carrier and itinerary. Review the applicable rules before purchase.