Airline: Research your needs

In order to end up with the airline best suited to your needs, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.

Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of airlines are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, styles and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in an airline.

Research the market: Airline essentials

The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the airline market. The range of options can seem daunting, but you can make a good start by understanding the following major features:

Ticket Cost: In most surveys, ticket cost is one of the top criteria that people use to select an airline. You should look at your options for ticket cost closely because they can vary widely.

Aircraft Type: The type of aircraft can determine your comfort and peace of mind during a trip. Some of the newer aircraft such as the Boeing 777 can have much roomier and quieter interiors than the older aircraft.

Safety Record: Many airlines have to report their safety issues. If you would like to check an airline for safety records, you can look on websites listed in the Buyz123 Research Links section below.

In flight Service: Due to recent airline economic difficulties, some airlines have curtailed in flight services, such as beverage and food services. Be sure to do a little research on the in-flight amenities for each airline which you are considering.

Timetable and On-Time Record: If you are traveling for an important event or business, the airline's on-time record may be an important consideration for you.

Frequent Flyer Program: Some people have one specific frequent flyer program which they want to stick with. If you are counting on taking a vacation with your bonus miles, you may want to stick with your frequent flier airline. Some airlines have reciprocal agreements with other airlines through which you can still earn frequent flier points with your primary airline.

Research your needs: Questions to ask yourself

Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in an airline. For example, will you use the airline only for occasional holiday travel or are you a businessperson racking up those frequent flyer miles and points?

You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.

Have I used an airline before?
	If you have used an airline, work out what you did or didn't like about the airline. You may be looking for service exactly like it, hoping to upgrade, or even trying to avoid any particular aspects that you found inconvenient or troublesome.

Where will I fly from?
	Perhaps there is a major airport nearby or you may have a secondary airport near you.

Do I care what time of day I arrive and depart?
	You may be willing to get up earlier in the morning for a better flight or perhaps you don't mind landing late at night. You might be happy to drive to an airport further from home but would expect that the airline always be on time, and offer better service in general.

Do I care about in-flight services?
	You may be the type who just gets in the seat and falls asleep until you reach your destination or you could be fussy about your seating. You might like to watch movies and love the in-flight extras such as food, drink, blankets and pillows.

Am I concerned about airline maintenance and safety?
	You probably like to know about an airline's safety record and may be concerned about older airplanes.

Do I really care about the plane's interior?
	You might love comfortable seating and roominess and hate cramped airlines.

Will I be travelling with children?
	What sort of facilities does the airline have to cater for children? Look for things like computer games, movies, coloring-in books and better fare deals.

Do you have any ailments or conditions that you need to consider?
	If you have mobility issues it may be difficult for you to get into a small plane that requires you to climb steep stairs. If you have cold symptoms or have been scuba diving, then high altitudes may affect your condition. If you are in doubt, speak to your doctor first.

Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the buying process.

Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of airlines and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.

Video Links

Classic Commercial British Airways 1990 - Promo
This is possibly one of the best known British Airways commercials, directed by Hugh Hudson. (1m 31s)