Costly Mistakes Older Adults Make Booking Airline Tickets

One major mistake that many seniors make is booking for a vacation as soon as it becomes available. While you may think that the earlier you book the cheaper the tickets will be, this simply isn't always the case. In reality, airlines often set high fares initially, and last-minute tickets are notoriously expensive. So, the best time to book your ticket is between 3 to 6 months in advance. This way, you can avoid both the high initial prices, as well as the late ticket expenses. 

While some airline advertise incredibly low base fares, it's important to note that there are often hidden costs that boost the overall price massively. For example, some tickets don't include checked baggage or carry-on items, meaning that you will have to pay extra at check-in. Additionally, seniors often end up paying extra for meals or in-flight services that they assumed were included. To avoid this, it's recommended that you compare “all-in” costs rather than just ticket prices. Also, be sure to always read the fine print, as the last thing that you want while on holiday is to be worrying about finances. 

While many seniors choose to skip the travel insurance in order to save money, this can actually be a very costly decision. Health issues, sudden cancellations or even lost luggage can create unexpected expenses that derail your entire holiday experience. If these emergencies were to occur, you can expect to pay thousands. For this reason, insurance is not only good for peace of mind, but it can also save you a small fortune if anything were to go wrong. In other words, the small upfront fee is well worth the money - especially for seniors who are at a higher risk of falling. 

Airlines and travel agencies sometimes offer senior fares, although they’re not always advertised. By failing to ask for such discounts, seniors often miss out on massive savings. On top of this, failing to enroll in frequent flyer programs means losing opportunities for free upgrades, discounted tickets or future rewards - which will save you a fortune in the long run. These programs make the entire travel experience that much better, as seniors sometimes have access to luxury lounges, complimentary meals etc. 

Digital booking systems can be extremely complicated and confusing - especially for seniors who don't know their way around a modern computer. Confusion with digital boarding passes or self-service kiosks can cause delays, which makes the entire traveling experience much more stressful. Travel agencies are a great alternative, as seniors can rely on a professional to get the job done for them.