What to check on the partner’s site before you pay

The partner’s checkout is where your booking becomes real. A few minutes of checking here can save a lot of trouble later. Use this checklist every time you book.

1. Who you are booking with

Look at the top of the page and the terms. Are you booking with the airline itself or with a travel site? This decides who you contact later about changes, refunds and problems.

2. The flights

• Departure and arrival airports. Cities with several airports are easy to mix up.
• Dates and times. Check overnight flights carefully: arrival may be the next day.
• Connections. Note how long each one is and whether you change airports.
• Whether the trip is one booking or several separate tickets joined together.

3. Traveler details

1. Enter names exactly as they appear in each traveler’s passport or ID.
2. Check dates of birth, especially for children and infants.
3. Use an email address you check often. Your confirmation and any schedule changes go there.

Name mistakes can be expensive to fix, and some fares don’t allow name changes.

4. The total price

• Check the total for all travelers, not the price per person.
• Check the currency. If it is not your own, your bank may add a fee.
• Look for card or payment fees on the payment page.
• If the payment page offers to charge you in your own currency, compare the rate with your card’s. Our guide to paying for flights explains dynamic currency conversion.

5. What is included

• Cabin bag size and weight.
• Checked bags: how many, how heavy, and whether they are included.
• Seat selection, meals and other extras.

Low fares often include less. Add only what you need, and compare the total with other options. See what low-cost airlines include.

6. Fare rules

Find the fare conditions and check whether you can change dates, cancel or get a refund, and what it costs. Our guide to fare classes and fare families explains the common types.

7. Travel documents

Make sure every traveler has the passport, visa or travel authorization needed for every country on the trip, including connections. Rules vary by nationality and country. Read our travel documents checklist.

If this, then that

• If the total jumped during checkout, look for added extras or insurance and remove what you don’t want.
• If something looks wrong or unclear, don’t pay yet. Contact the partner or go back and choose another option.
• If you see an error at payment, check with your bank before trying again, so you don’t pay twice.

Still stuck? Contact us and tell us what you saw. For questions about a booking you have already made, the partner you booked with can help fastest.