I recently booked a flight to Dublin. I chose the Cheapflights.com search engine. After looking at several airline prices, I finally chose Aer Lingus. They didn't have the lowest fare, but the lowest was fare was an airline with which I was not familiar. I guess you can tell that I don't travel extensively.

The upfront price of another well known airline was lower than Aer Lingus, but the taxes were almost double bringing it up to about $50.00 more. The friendly sky prices were the worst of all at about $200. above the other offerings.

I like cheapflights because they provide both travel agency and individual airline prices. Orbiz, Cheapoflights and others are in listed there. You get to see the exact fare before the purchase is made.

In booking with the airline direct, I also got to see a diagram of the interior of the plane and choose a seat from the 50 or so that were still available on the flight. Maybe that's standard operating procedure; I don't know.

Aer Lingus provided other helpful information about passports. I should tell you that I didn't book the flight for myself, but I was able to get a non-stop flight on a reputable airline at a discount price for a friend.

I gave the traveler a tip that I learned about passports here on Helium. I advised him to make copies of the passport, carry one and leave one behind here in the U.S. It's a precaution, but its better to be extra cautious than be in a world of trouble with passports.

I was satisfied that I found the best price. The traveler was happy with the price too. All around, it was a good learning experience. When I travel abroad again, I'll know the ropes. At least I will know how to search.

Disclosure: I don't work for an airline and this is not an advertisement.

Learn more about this author, Mona Gallagher.
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