How to book international flights for two people

Book international flights for two people by searching together on one reservation to get seats together and streamlined check-in. Compare prices across multiple booking sites, book directly with airlines when possible, and consider flying mid-week for better deals.

  1. Search for both passengers together. Always search for 2 passengers in one booking, not separate tickets. This ensures you get seats together and makes changes easier later.
  2. Compare across multiple sites first. Check Google Flights, Kayak, and Momondo for price comparison. Note the cheapest options but don't book through aggregators yet.
  3. Check airline websites directly. Go to the actual airline websites for flights you found. Airlines often match or beat third-party prices and offer better customer service.
  4. Consider flexible dates. Use the flexible date calendar view. Flying Tuesday/Wednesday instead of weekends can save $200+ per person on international routes.
  5. Book with a credit card that offers trip protection. Use a card with travel insurance and dispute protection. Chase Sapphire or similar cards can save you if flights get cancelled.
  6. Select seats immediately after booking. Log into the airline website right after booking to choose seats together. Free seat selection disappears as flights fill up.
  7. Add both passengers to airline loyalty programs. Sign up for the airline's frequent flyer program before flying, even if you're not loyal. Free upgrades and better customer service when things go wrong.
Should I book two separate tickets or one ticket for both people?
Always book both people on one reservation. You'll sit together, check in together, and if there are schedule changes, the airline handles both passengers as one case.
When do international flight prices drop?
International flights are usually cheapest 6-8 weeks before departure. Prices spike within 3 weeks of travel and during summer months (June-August).
Is it worth paying for seat selection?
For international flights over 6 hours, yes. Paying $30-50 per person for seats together beats 8+ hours separated. Book seats immediately after purchasing tickets.
Should I buy travel insurance?
For international trips over $2000 total, yes. Get trip cancellation insurance within 14 days of booking your first trip component to cover pre-existing conditions.