![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.tico.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/185506131_4035580436523664_2610291600518582214_n-1024x1024.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBooked the wrong dates, location, time, or airline? We’ve all been there!<\/p>\n
For your travel protection consider some of these tips when booking and purchasing travel services online.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
There are three common terms used in the travel industry:<\/p>\n
Many consumers believe that a direct flight and a non-stop flight are the same thing, but there are differences between the two.<\/p>\n
A direct fligh<\/strong>t is a flight between two points with no change in flight numbers, which may include a stop at another destination served by the\u00a0airline along the way.\u00a0 All passengers are not required to deplane, but simply wait on the aircraft as some passengers depart or board the aircraft.\u00a0 For long haul direct flights, the aircraft may have to stop for refueling enroute before continuing on to the final destination.<\/p>\n A non-stop flight<\/strong> flies from one airport to another without stopping.\u00a0 A non-stop flight is generally the quickest way to get from point A to point B, but the major airlines may charge a premium for the convenience.\u00a0 Depending on the circumstances of your trip, the convenience of a non-stop flight may be worth the price charged by the airlines.<\/p>\n A connecting flight<\/strong> will land at a destination served by the airline along the way, requiring passengers to depart the aircraft and board another flight to travel to their final destination.\u00a0 When there is a change in flight number, the subsequent flight is referred to as a connecting flight.\u00a0 If you\u2019re not in a hurry to arrive, you may be able to save by booking a less expensive connecting flight.<\/p>\n When booking on an airline or travel agency\u2019s website, consider using the filter options<\/strong> available when searching for flights.\u00a0 The filter options usually allow you to search by selecting either a non-stop flight or the number of stops; choose between various airlines as well as select flight times.\u00a0 Alternatively, these websites will either display all the flight details when the search results appear or they will have a \u201cshow flight detail<\/em>\u201d option that when selected, will expand to display all the flight numbers, routing and times, so you can make an informed decision.<\/p>\n Code-share flights have been in place for a number of years yet they still tend to be confusing and not always transparent to the consumer.\u00a0 This can lead to mix-ups at the airport and sometimes disappointment. \u00a0 Understanding that it is a code-share flight may affect your decision to purchase. \u00a0Usually, the travel documentation does say who the flight is \u201coperated by\u201d but consumers do not always understand what this means.<\/p>\n Indicators to help consumers understand whether the flight they are about to book is a code-share flight:<\/p>\n If you book yourself on a code-share flight, be sure to familiarize yourself with the policies of the airline that will be operating your flight.\u00a0 For example, check-in times, baggage allowances as well as other fees and charges may vary and it is the operating airlines policies that will apply.\u00a0 When you arrive at the departures area of the airport, be sure to always go to the check-in counter for the airline that is actually operating the flight.<\/p>\n It is imperative that you ensure that all the information is correct before you move on to the next step. This includes a careful review of:<\/p>\n Booking errors can easily occur if your not careful and can result in mistakes such as booking Sydney, Nova Scotia instead of Sydney, Australia.<\/p>\n Before you confirm your travel services online, make sure you read and understand the Terms and Conditions<\/strong> of the travel services being purchased.<\/p>\n Usually travel websites will not allow you to continue with the booking process until you acknowledge reading this section and indicate your acceptance of the terms and conditions as outlined.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, this tends to be the part of the booking process that most people quickly click through<\/strong> and accept without taking the time to fully understand what they are agreeing to. \u00a0Make sure that you review this information, particularly those that relate to cancellation, changes to bookings and refundability.<\/strong><\/p>\n After purchasing travel services online, you should receive a confirmation email, however, system glitches can happen from time to time<\/strong> so it\u2019s always a good idea to print off your confirmation page<\/strong> with all your booking and payment details in the event there is a problem.\u00a0 It is always recommended that you keep a paper copy of all transactions, correspondence, confirmations, terms and conditions and anything else related to your online booking. This is proof of your online booking<\/strong> and will be of assistance should you find that you need to refer to it prior to departure or make any changes.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n To verify if a travel agency or website is TICO registered, check\u202four online directory<\/strong><\/a>.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n Take the\u202fTICO Traveller Quiz<\/strong><\/a>\u202fto see what type of traveller you are.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sign up to receive quarterly travel consumer protection <\/strong>email updates<\/strong><\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For more travel tips and information, visit the\u202fSmart Traveller Guide<\/strong><\/a>.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\nBe Sure to Know what Airline You’re Booking with<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.tico.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/17686S_Feb-12B_FB.png\")
Airlines have code-sharing agreements or partnerships that allow them to jointly market and sell seats on a flight operated by another airline. \u00a0Code-sharing refers to a practice where two or more airlines share the same flight operated by one airline.<\/p>\n\n
Make Sure the Information You Entered is Correct<\/h2>\n
\n
Read & Understand the Terms and Conditions<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.tico.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/17686S_Jan-14_FB.png\")
<\/p>\nPrint Off Your Confirmation in Case of System Glitches<\/h2>\n
Book with a TICO Registered Travel Agency<\/h2>\n\n\n\n