Book a Flight
✈️ How to Book a Flight
For new immigrants, choosing a suitable flight ticket is an important first step in starting a life in Canada. Every aspect, from when to buy the ticket and which platform to use, to flight transfers and luggage check - in, can affect your arrival experience. Here is a step - by - step guide to booking flights.
✅ What to Consider Before Booking
Before booking a flight, it is recommended to confirm the following information first:
• Estimated arrival time (to coordinate with airport pick - up, accommodation arrangements, etc.)
• Destination city (direct flight or connecting flight)
• Whether you have a US visa (some cheaper tickets may involve transfers in the US)
• Whether you need to check luggage or carry large - sized luggage
Tips: If you don't have a US visa, try to avoid transferring in the US, otherwise, you may not be allowed to board the plane.
Recommended Common Booking Platforms
Different platforms have their own advantages. It is recommended to compare prices simultaneously:
Platform Name | Features | Suitable for |
User - friendly Chinese interface, convenient after - sales service | First - time overseas travelers | |
Tongcheng Travel | Flexible flight combinations, large price fluctuations, chance to grab special offers | Those looking for bargain tickets |
Google Flights | Compare prices from multiple platforms in one go | English - speaking users or intermediate - level users |
Skyscanner | Can set "price alerts" | Users who want to wait for low - cost tickets |
Airlines' official websites (such as Air Canada) | Seat selection available, good free change policy, guaranteed luggage check - in | Those who care about seat selection and luggage handling |
It is recommended to search across 2 - 3 platforms before deciding which platform to place an order on.
Precautions When Booking
• Choose a suitable flight duration and departure/arrival time, and avoid arriving late at night.
• Confirm whether luggage check - in is included (low - cost airlines usually don't include it).
• Check if an overnight transfer is required and try to avoid staying overnight in a strange city.
• Understand the airline's change/refund policy for unexpected situations.
• Check if special meals (such as vegetarian, halal) are provided.
If your budget allows, it is recommended to choose a direct flight or a connecting flight with the same airline for a smoother journey.
️ When Is the Most Cost - Effective Time to Buy?
• The best time to book is 6 - 8 weeks before departure.
• Avoid holidays, school vacations, and summer travel peaks.
• Morning or early - morning flights are often cheaper.
• Use "incognito browsing mode" to compare prices and avoid being tracked and charged more by the system.
There are often special - offer tickets at noon on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so pay special attention.
Matters Concerning Flight Transfers
Choosing a connecting flight can usually save a lot of money, but it also comes with some potential inconveniences. Please pay attention to the following points when booking:
• Is the transfer within the same terminal? (Transferring within the same terminal is more convenient and avoids rushing around.)
• Can the luggage be checked through to the final destination? (Usually, the same airline or airlines within the same alliance can offer through - check - in, which will be indicated on the booking page.)
• Do you need to apply for an entry or transit visa? (For example, if transferring in the US, a valid US visa is required.)
• Is the transfer time sufficient? (It is recommended to allow at least 2 hours or more, and even longer for international transfers.)
• What is the environment of the transfer airport like? (Some airports provide free rest areas, drinking water, and meals, while a few airports have poor facilities, so it's better to bring your own snacks or power banks.)
Understanding the transfer process and airport information in advance can effectively reduce the risk of travel disruptions or missed flights.
Luggage Regulations
Most international economy - class flights generally include the following free luggage allowances (subject to specific ticket types):
• One carry - on backpack (can be used to store documents, power banks, and daily necessities)
• One carry - on suitcase (the size needs to meet the airline's boarding regulations)
• 1 - 2 checked - in luggage pieces (each usually not exceeding 23 kg)
Each airline has different luggage policies. Before booking, be sure to confirm:
• Whether free luggage check - in is included (most economy - class tickets only include carry - on luggage)
• Luggage weight limits (usually within 23 kg for checked - in luggage and 7 kg for carry - on luggage)
• Overweight charging standards, as some airlines charge dozens of Canadian dollars per kilogram.
• Whether a small carry - on bag (such as a laptop bag) is allowed.
It is recommended to carefully read the airline's luggage policy instructions before departure to avoid high fees due to overweight or extra pieces of luggage.
Tips (Other parts of the original text remain):
• If your budget allows, it is recommended to choose a direct flight or a connecting flight with the same airline for a smoother journey.
• If you are not proficient in English, you can choose a platform with Chinese - speaking customer service to book tickets.
• You can join the airline's frequent - flyer program to accumulate mileage points.
• If you are worried about change/refund fees, you can consider purchasing flight insurance.
Summary
A suitable flight ticket is not just a means of transportation from point A to point B. It is the first step towards your new life in Canada. By taking the time to compare prices, confirm luggage policies, and pay attention to transfer details, your journey will be much easier!