Tips for Booking Airline Tickets
- Booking Air Tickets
1. Airlines sell different types of tickets with various terms and conditions. Passengers should check these terms and conditions and the respective restrictions before choosing the type of ticket. Most airlines have a website that provides information on the conditions of carriage, which generally describes the obligation of the airline and that of the passenger, such as the circumstances under which a ticket will be refunded, items which will incur extra charges, etc.
2. When comparing the ticket prices of different airlines, consider the total price of the ticket, which includes all applicable taxes, fees, charges and surcharges. Also take note that some Low Cost Carriers may add to the headline price fees for items such as baggage and meals while conventional airlines do not.
3. Double-check the booking details (flight date, time, passenger's name, etc.) before confirming the booking. Once a ticket is confirmed or issued, airlines usually impose additional charges for changes, depending on the type of ticket.
4. The procurement of an air ticket normally means the establishment of an air transportation contract between a passenger and an airline. Both have their rights and duties outlined in the terms and conditions of the ticket. Passengers should read these terms and conditions carefully before purchase.
- Price and Charges
1. The ticket price usually consists of taxes, fees, charges and surcharges where applicable. Price details should be displayed by airlines during the booking process.
2. Common taxes, fees, charges and surcharges for passengers departing from Hong Kong International Airport include HKSAR Air Passenger Departure Tax, carrier surcharges and any charges collected by the destination airport.
3. Each airline has its own fees and charges stipulated in the terms and conditions. For instance, some airlines impose extra charges on hold baggage, sports equipment and musical instruments.
- Code Share Flights
1. A code share flight is one operated by an airline and simultaneously marketed by itself and another airline under each of their own flight numbers. Sometimes a single flight may be marketed by two or three airlines, in which case the flight will be simultaneously sold under the distinctive flight numbers of each of these airlines. Airlines have the responsibility to inform their passengers when the flight they are selling is operated by another airline.
2. It is important to know whose terms and conditions will apply when a flight is operated as a code share flight since the baggage allowance, passengers’ rights in cases such as flight delays and cancellations, etc. may vary under different airlines’ terms and conditions. Please contact the agent or airline concerned direct for details.
Important point
When booking a ticket, it is important for passengers to note the terms and conditions provided
in
the airlines website. If the information is considered insufficient or if in doubt,
always seek clarification from the airline concerned.
- Other Useful Links
1.
Travel Health Service, Department of
Health
2.
Outbound Travel
Alert System, Security Bureau
3.
Registration
of Outboard Travel Information ("ROTI")
