Book 6–8 weeks ahead
Domestic flights are typically cheapest 4–8 weeks before departure. International fares tend to peak if you book too early or too late.
Free travel resources
Travel tips, guides & resources
What to know before you fly — visa guidance, baggage rules, airport tips, airline comparisons and a step-by-step booking walkthrough.
Travel tips
Smart travel tips for every flyer
First-time flyer or frequent traveller — these save time, money and stress.
Fly Tuesday or Wednesday
Mid-week departures are consistently cheaper than weekend ones. Avoid Fridays and Sundays for the best fares.
Carry-on only when you can
Skipping checked bags saves $30–$70 per flight and the wait at baggage claim. Most airlines allow one carry-on plus a personal item free.
Get travel insurance
A good policy covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies and lost luggage — typically $30–$80 for a domestic trip.
Arrive 2 hours early
Security queues are unpredictable. Two hours before a domestic flight, three before an international one.
Save the airline's number
Store your airline's customer service number before you travel. If a flight is cancelled, calling is often faster than queuing at the desk.
Check in 24 hours before
Online check-in opens 24 hours before most flights. Checking in early means better seat choice and a quicker airport experience.
Join a frequent flyer programme
Free to join, and miles never expire on many programmes. Even occasional flyers can earn an upgrade within a year.
Visa guides
Visa requirements — quick reference
General guidance for US citizens. Always verify with the official embassy before travelling.
| Destination | US citizens | Visa type | Processing time | Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Visa free | ETA required (2025) | Instant online | $10 USD |
| France / EU | Visa free | ETIAS required (2025) | Online approval | €7 EUR |
| UAE / Dubai | Visa on arrival | 30-day stamp | On arrival | Free |
| India | e-Visa required | e-Tourist visa | 3–5 business days | $25 USD |
| China | Visa required | Tourist visa (L) | 4–7 business days | $140 USD |
| Brazil | Visa free | No visa needed | N/A | Free |
| Japan | Visa free | 90 days permitted | N/A | Free |
| Mexico | Visa free | FMM tourist card | On arrival | Free |
| Philippines | Visa free | 30 days on arrival | On arrival | Free |
| Singapore | Visa free | 90 days permitted | N/A | Free |
Visa requirements change frequently. Always verify with the official embassy or
consulate before travelling. This table is general guidance only.
Airline comparison
Major US airlines at a glance
A general overview to help you choose. Fees and policies change — always verify with the airline before booking.
| Airline | On-time rating | Carry-on | Checked bag | Seat comfort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | High | Free | ~$35 | 4 / 5 | Business travel |
| American Airlines | Average | Free | ~$35 | 3 / 5 | Wide route network |
| Southwest Airlines | Good | Free | 2 bags free | 3 / 5 | Budget domestic |
| United Airlines | Average | Free | ~$35 | 3 / 5 | International hubs |
| Spirit Airlines | Low | Paid (~$39) | ~$49 | 2 / 5 | Lowest base fare |
| JetBlue Airways | Good | Free | ~$35 | 4 / 5 | Comfort and value |
Airline fees and ratings are approximate and subject to change. Always verify current
policies directly with the airline before booking.
Airport guides
Major US airport quick guides
Key facts and tips for navigating the busiest airports in the United States.
JFK
John F. Kennedy International — New York
- Allow 3+ hours for international check-in
- AirTrain connects all terminals, free between them
- 6 terminals — check yours before you arrive
- NYC Subway (A train) connects to Manhattan
LAX
Los Angeles International — California
- Arrive 2.5 hours early — traffic is unpredictable
- TBIT handles most international flights
- Free LAX-it shuttle for rideshare pickups
- Metro K Line connects to the LA metro system
ORD
O'Hare International — Chicago
- One of the world's busiest — build in extra time
- Airport Transit System connects terminals free
- Terminals 1, 2, 3 domestic — Terminal 5 international
- Blue Line CTA train to downtown Chicago
MIA
Miami International — Florida
- Major Latin American hub — busy customs lines
- MIA Mover connects to rental cars and Metrorail
- Terminals arranged in a horseshoe — follow the signs
- Metrorail Orange Line to downtown Miami
DFW
Dallas/Fort Worth International — Texas
- Massive — 5 terminals spread over a large area
- Skylink train connects all terminals, 24/7, free
- American Airlines main hub — most AA flights here
- DART Orange Line connects to Dallas city centre
ATL
Hartsfield-Jackson — Atlanta
- World's busiest airport — plan extra connection time
- Free underground train connects all concourses
- Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E and F
- MARTA train to downtown Atlanta, about 25 minutes
Baggage rules
Baggage allowance — what you need to know
Rules vary by airline, fare class and route. These are general guidelines — always confirm with your airline before flying.
Personal item
- Almost always free on all airlines
- Must fit under the seat in front of you
- Max size typically 18 × 14 × 8 inches
- Purse, laptop bag, small backpack
- No weight limit usually applies
Carry-on bag
- Free on most major airlines
- Budget airlines charge $35–$65
- Max size 22 × 14 × 9 inches on most carriers
- Must fit in the overhead bin
- Liquids: 3.4 oz max in a 1-quart clear bag
First checked bag
- Southwest: free (2 bags)
- Delta / United / AA: about $35
- Spirit / Frontier: about $49–$79
- Max weight 50 lbs (23 kg)
- Max size 62 linear inches total
Oversize / overweight
- Over 50 lbs: $100–$200 fee
- Over 62 inches: $150–$200 fee
- Sports equipment: separate fees apply
- Musical instruments: varies by airline
- Always declare special items at check-in
Prohibited items
- No lithium batteries in checked bags
- No aerosols over 3.4 oz in carry-on
- No sharp objects in carry-on
- No flammable liquids in any bag
- Check the TSA website for the full list
Travelling with children
- Strollers: free gate check on most airlines
- Car seats: free checked or gate check
- Baby formula: exempt from liquid rules
- Breast milk: allowed in carry-on
- Lap infants: usually one free bag
Booking tutorial
How to book a flight — step by step
Whether you book yourself or through InAirBookings, this is how the process works from first search to e-ticket.
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1
Know your dates & route
Have your departure city, destination, preferred dates and passenger count ready before you search. Flexible dates mean better fares.
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2
Choose your fare type
Basic Economy is cheapest but non-refundable with no seat selection. Main Cabin adds flexibility. Business and First add premium benefits.
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3
Compare total price, not base fare
Always compare the total including taxes, fees and baggage. A $99 budget fare can end up costing more than a $149 full-service fare.
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4
Read the cancellation policy first
Check whether your fare is refundable before you pay. Non-refundable fares save money but leave no flexibility if plans change.
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5
Enter passenger details carefully
Names must match the government ID or passport exactly. Name corrections after booking can be expensive, or impossible on some airlines.
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6
Save your confirmation
Save the booking reference and e-ticket immediately — screenshot it and email it to yourself. You need the reference for check-in.
Skip the hassle
Let us handle the booking
Call us and we will search, quote and book — you just confirm the final price.
Ready to fly?
Book your flight with InAirBookings
Put these tips into action. Call us 24/7 and our agents will find the available options with a full price quote before you pay.
All travel information on this page is general guidance only and subject to change. Always verify with official sources before travelling.