How to compare the total cost of a cheap flight

Write down the departure and arrival airports, outbound and return dates, cabin, passengers and whether the result is one-way or return. Establish whether the displayed amount is per person or for the whole party. A total for two adults cannot be compared directly with a per-person fare.

Then compare the same baggage allowance. A personal item, a cabin case and a checked bag are different products, with airline-specific limits. Add any luggage and seat choices you need at the provider’s current prices. Do not assume an optional extra is mandatory, or that every fare includes it.

A practical comparison is flight total plus required extras, departure-airport travel, arrival-airport travel and any extra accommodation caused by the itinerary. For a party, include everyone’s transport and baggage costs. Use a consistent currency or account for the payment provider’s conversion terms.

Check early departures, late landings, airport changes and connections. If the cheapest option requires an overnight stay or an extra holiday night, price that before celebrating the saving. A separate-ticket connection may carry different delay risks from a through booking; check the terms rather than treating them as equivalent.

Recheck the provider’s final total for the dates and passengers you actually intend to book. Read change, cancellation and refund terms. An attractive fare may be less useful if your plans are uncertain and its flexibility does not fit them.

For a package comparison, compare the provider’s actual flight, hotel, board, transfer and baggage inclusions with the equivalent independent trip. Do not assume protection or all extras are included. fliiights is the deal-finding club; travel booking terms and any protection come from the external seller.