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Why I Never Book Flights the Usual Way

Most people think you should always book directly with airlines. I haven't done that since 2020.

I wanted to share how I book flights because so many people have asked me recently, and my approach might surprise you.

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STEP 1: START WITH GOOGLE FLIGHTS

I always begin my search at flights.google.com to find the cheapest options.

Some people use incognito mode or a VPN. I have not found this saved me money. Instead I get the best flight prices by keeping my dates flexible.

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Don’t enter an end date!

Instead, leave it open to see prices for the entire month.

This way you can spot which days are cheapest. Sometimes certain airlines only fly on specific days, and prices can vary dramatically.

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FOR LONG HAUL FLIGHTS

Once I know the cheapest dates, I head to Expedia Canada.

Here’s the shocking part - their prices are almost always cheaper than what Google shows!

But wait, isn’t booking directly with airlines safer?

That’s what everyone says, but my experience says otherwise.

I’ve flown two return flights every year since 2021 between Asia and Canada, and NONE of those flights stayed as originally booked.

Airlines change itineraries constantly, especially in the last few years. This is where Expedia shines:

• Their online chat support is amazing
• I’ve never waited more than 3-4 minutes for an agent
• They can always offer alternatives within my original price range
• Your airline loyalty points still count (just add your membership number)

One time Air Canada canceled my final connection from Halifax to Kuala Lumpur THE NIGHT BEFORE my 6am flight.

Instead of spending hours on an airline phone line, Expedia resolved it within 20 minutes.

I’ve reached out to Expedia Canada multiple times trying to get them to sponsor me because I'm Expedia's #1 fan for flight bookings.

But...not for hotels. For hotels I use Agoda and Booking.

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FOR SHORT FLIGHTS IN ASIA

Discount carriers are fantastic in Asia, but I’ve stopped booking directly with them too.

Instead, I book through hotel booking sites like Agoda or Booking.com.

Why? They’re consistently $5-10 cheaper than the airlines’ own websites. That’s a meal in many Asian countries!

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HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?

Agoda, Booking.com, Kayak and Priceline are all owned by Booking Holdings.

Expedia Group owns Hotels.com, Vrbo, Trivago, Orbitz and Travelocity.

These mega-companies buy flights in bulk, passing savings to us.

Once I book through Agoda, all communication about check-in comes directly from the airline anyway.

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OTHER BOOKING SITES?

I’ve occasionally used Trip.com with good results.

I tried Kiwi.com once or twice, but heard terrible reviews from others and dropped them.

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WHAT IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG?

In Asia, flights are almost always on time.

Once with Scoot (Singapore Air’s discount carrier), they were 20 minutes late and immediately gave food vouchers at check-in to apologize!

I’ve never needed customer service with Agoda for flights. And since most flights here cost around $100, even in a worst-case scenario, I’d just take the loss and move on.

Let me know if you’ve tried this approach or have questions! Hit reply and you’ll be directed straight to my email.

Keep life delicious,

Ayngelina

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