Question:

Going to America - info on internal flights please?

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We're going to America on holiday later this year and have already booked a return to New York and once we're there we want to fly internally to other places, is it best to pre-book online for a flight because I heard that in the US planes are like trains and you just show up and get on one? Obviously we want to do whatever's cheapest. Thanks

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  1. Most of the other answers are correct that you get the best fares and flight & seat choices if you book at least 2 weeks in advance.  

    Check with your international airline to see if they belong to one of the airline alliances that offer "passes" for the USA or North America:

    www.oneworld.com

    www.skyteam.com

    www.staralliance.com

    Do try to use partner airlines of your international carrier for your USA flights to maximize the frequent flier miles from your trip.  Fore example, you can earn British Airways miles on American Airlines flights.

    Note that the best fares may be on airlines like Southwest and JetBlue that don't belong to the alliances, so you have to check their websites or go through a real travel agent.

    Another answer complained about delayed luggage. That is very rarely a problem as long as you get to the departure airport 2 hours in advance and allow sufficient time (usually 2 hours) between connecting flights.  Travel agents and many websites will let you book a trip with only 30 minutes between connecting flights, but doing that is asking for delayed luggage.  

    Finally, if your travel plans include going from NY to somewhere relatively close by (like Boston or even Washington, DC), consider taking the train instead of dealing with the hassle of air travel:   www.amtrak.com

    Hope you have a great trip!


  2. For most flights it is cheaper to purchase them ahead of time.  I don't recommend to go to the airport the same day to purchase a ticket.  However, you can purchase tickets at the airport for other days.  I would shop around on www.nwa.com or www.expedia.com, this will give you different price options.  However, some websites (unfortunately, nwa.com will not allow you to book a reservation without a US/Canada billing address).  You may contact our Reservations department at 1-800-225-2525 to hold a reservation and pay for it at the airport.  I hope this helps!

  3. Book ahead, the earlier the better. You could just turn up at the airport and pay on the day but it is much more expensive.

  4. Make sure your luggage is put on the correct aircraft.

    Keep a change of clothes in your hand luggage just in case.

    I flew to Memphis changing at Chicago and had to wait 24 hours for my luggage to arrive.

    I was told it happens all the time in America.

  5. If you are flying within the US, it is NOT cheap to fly with a few days notice.  The best fares are 14 days and even 21 days advance reservations.  Depending on where you are flying, check out Southwest Airlines and Jet Blue.  I have found them to have the best fares, and frankly the best service of all airlines.  Be aware, however, they fly into alternative locations in some cities, but it usually makes it worthwhile for that hassle.  That's my recommendation.  We had a death in the family last week.  Airfare via Southwest was 700 r/t from Washington dc to Dallas; 1,200 r/t via mainline carriers.  It would have otherwise been 400 r/t via Southwest and 700 via others with 14 days advance reservations!

  6. Book in advance , and no walk up fare is outrageously expensive !  try flying southwest where there's no need to buy Return flight.  If you're in the Northeast corridor (Boston to Washington,DC) try AMTRAK which is more convenient and you can see our great northeastern states !

    Enjoy your visit and we look forward to having you here in the States

  7. i usually book mine a day or two before once i'm there

  8. The answers the others have given you are really good.  If you are planning to visit many cities, go through your travel agent from the country you are from if you know what cities you are going to in advanced.  If you don't, when you get here, you will lose out on any inexpensive flights.  Also booking your trip with hotels will help lower the cost of airfare and hotels combined.  Booking ahead is the best advice I can give you.

  9. Book as far in advance as you possibly can. This will ensure that you always get the cheapest fare.

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