This can apply to a single person travelling or a group/family:

Once you have decided where you want to go, please do confirm with your employer, school and the like commitments that you can have the time off before you book your trip as changing dates and also cancelling incurs fees and the closer to the departure date you do this, the higher they are.

If you dont have a specific preference for an airline:

So, you know where you are going and you are a phone call away to a travel agent who knows the best routes and the best airlines. Call him/her and have a bit of a chat. If you beat the sales factor, you will stand firm, and not agree to book.

Now that you have a better idea of air routes and prices, go to google and type in "discount airfares" or "cheap airfares". Have a look at what the various websites are offering for those airlines you previously spoke to the agent about. It would be wrong of me to assume that certain websites or travel companies would consistently have the lowest fares because they wont. Sometimes Airlines spread the love around and certain companies, based on their sales, get better deals. So look everytime.

You have found the airline whose route and price you are comfortable with or it is simply the only airline you are prepared to fly:

Go to their website. Check out the available flights and more so, the type of aircraft. Are you comfortable with a smaller type plane? Is anyone clostrophobic?Have a good look at the layout of the plane and what your options are. Can you pre-book your seats? Where would you like to sit? Are you allergic to anything, have you got a special diet? Is there a baby? You may want to sit closest to the bassinet. Let the airline know. Are you offended by any culture or practice? Bear this in mind before you commit to the airline of a country's practices you dont agree with, certain fundamental practices happen on air as well. Be mindful of stopovers. Bear in mind that should there be any hiccup in travel plans you may need to stay in that country overnight.

For the business traveller: you may want to check out the onboard business facilities.

Read all the questions carefully (especially those in small print). If there is anything you dont understand call the airline BEFORE you pay to clarify.

You understand everything and you and everyone are convinced you are satisfied:

Plug in your credit card number and your off to talk to your buddies about your upcoming trip.

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