In recent years, going out by plane has become the main way for international communication. For those people who want to book their flights online in China, If you have chosen to book your flights online, you may find the tips below useful.
Understand Chinese Language
For the Chinese travel website, English may not be its primary language. Most of them may provide English version, but some of them may not.
Shop Around
Shop around is still the common sense. Because no magic site will offers the best deals for every itinerary.
Flexible Schedule
Flexible is still the key to get a better airfare. Try to change your itinerary by one day early or later, or flying into or out of a nearby airport could save you airfare cost. Avoiding travel ahead of the big holidays and summer peak season could save you cost too.
Search and Reserve at Different Websites
Use the search engine to compare and decide which airline and flight you want, then go directly to the airline website to compare the price. If airline website provides the same or better deal, buy directly at airline website. You may save any processing fee and charges of third party on-line service. You also may get more frequent flyer miles bonus.
Be Alert to Fare-jumping
Fare-jumping means that travel site's posted price is either not same as the final booking price, or become unavailable when you decide to reserve it. So make sure the posted price is available for booking. Avoid those fare-jumping trick websites.
Be Alert to Taxes, Surcharges and Service Fee
When you compare price or book ticket, be sure to understand all the taxes, surcharges and service fee that third-party website may charge.
Be Alert to Currency Conversions
Booking from Chinese travel website, the currency may not be US dollars. Before finalizing the sale, make sure you check the currency exchange rate to ensure you really get a bargain.
Sister Travel Websites are not Identical
Do not assume the airfares are identical on sister sites. For example, Expedia, Opodo and travelocity sites based in separate countries offered completely different airfares for identical itineraries. It is clear that each sister site negotiates its own deals.
Check the Flight Origination Country Website First
If you are not sure which website to start from, consider a travel website based in the country where the flight originates. For example, use a British site for London to New York route first. Do not always take assumption that United States travel web will provide better deals.
Finalize Your Booking
It is always good to use credit card to pay online. That provides you an additional protection in case some disputes. Understand the cancellation and change itineraries policies. Double check your travel information including name, travel dates, and correct airport. Remember you could be fully responsible for travel purchases by your mistake.