Nine Essential Tips for Booking Group Flight Tickets

Start Planning Early

Whenever a journey involves a travel group, the planning process is lengthier and more elaborate. The recommendation states that early planning of all the details related to travel helps you get an edge. You get better deals, low prices, and more options while booking your flight. Also, group booking can fetch you better deals and discounts if you book in advance. There is better flexibility in terms of travel routes, seats, and journey dates.

Why early planning matters:

• The seat availability is better, so all of your folks can sit together during the journey.
• There are chances of getting better offers and discounts on your ticket if the tickets are booked early.
• There is of course more time to coordinate everyone's preferences and schedules.

Leverage Group Booking Discounts

Did you know that many airlines offer special rates for group bookings? If you're traveling with 10 or more people, it's worth checking with airlines directly about their group booking policies. Some airlines provide exclusive group discounts or perks like additional baggage allowance or flexible payment options.

Flight group booking tips for getting discounts:

• Contact the airline's group booking department directly rather than booking through third-party websites.
• Be clear about the group size, destination, and preferred travel dates when negotiating.
• Some airlines offer flexible terms for group bookings, like holding reservations without immediate payment, so you can finalize details with your group.

Choose Flexible Travel Dates

When booking flights for a large group, a little flexibility with travel dates can go a long way in securing lower fares. Airlines often have fluctuating prices, depending on demand, so avoiding peak travel days (like holidays or weekends) can help you find better deals.

Guide for flight group booking with flexible dates:

• Use fare comparison tools that show the cheapest days to fly within your preferred time frame.
• Mid-week flights are often cheaper than weekend departures, and traveling during off-peak hours can also save money.
• If your group is open to alternate airports, this could further reduce costs.

Use a Group Travel Coordinator or Travel Agent

Managing multiple reservations can be overwhelming, especially if it's a large group. To simplify the process, consider hiring a travel agent or designating someone within the group as the travel coordinator. They can manage all the details, from securing group discounts to ensuring everyone receives their tickets and travel information.

Why a travel coordinator helps:

• A single point of contact can streamline communication and avoid confusion.
• Travel agents can access exclusive group rates and promotions.
• In case of changes, cancellations, or emergencies, the coordinator handles all adjustments, saving everyone time.

Book Seats Together (But Be Flexible)

If sitting together is a priority for your group, you'll want to book early and select seats when available. However, for larger groups, securing adjacent seats for everyone can be challenging, especially if you're booking closer to the departure date. In these cases, prioritize seating for smaller subgroups (like families with children) and be flexible with the rest of the group.

Flight group booking tips for seating:

• Some airlines allow you to reserve seats in advance, but others may charge for this service.
• Try to book tickets that include seat selection to avoid last-minute seat allocation.
• For smaller groups within the larger group, ensure priority seating for families or people with special needs.

Coordinate Luggage Policies

One of the biggest hassles in group travel can be dealing with baggage. Different airlines have varying luggage policies, and when traveling as a group, ensuring that everyone is aware of the same guidelines is crucial. Excess baggage charges can quickly add up, so make sure everyone knows how much they’re allowed to bring.

Guide for flight group booking with luggage considerations:

• Clarify checked and carry-on baggage policies with the airline and inform everyone in the group.
• Consider group packing strategies, like sharing luggage space to minimize baggage fees.
• If your group is planning to bring oversized items (like sports equipment), coordinate with the airline in advance.

Take Advantage of Group Check-In

Some airlines offer a special group check-in service, allowing everyone to check in together and avoid long queues at the airport. This can make the pre-flight process smoother and reduce the likelihood of anyone missing the flight.

Flight group booking tips for check-in:

• Arrive at the airport early, especially if you’re checking in a large group.
• Keep all the necessary travel documents organized and ensure each member of the group has a copy.
• Ask the airline about group check-in or priority boarding options to make the process faster and more efficient.

Stay Organized with Travel Apps and Tools

When coordinating a large group, keeping track of flight times, tickets, and itineraries can be challenging. Using a shared travel app or itinerary tool ensures that everyone stays on the same page. Platforms like Google Docs or WhatsApp can help you share flight information, emergency contacts, and even dining or activity reservations.

Why apps and tools matter:

• Everyone in the group has access to updated flight information in real time.
• You can easily make changes and notify the group about any updates.
• It reduces the stress of tracking individual tickets and itineraries.

Be Prepared for Changes and Cancellations

When booking for a group, changes in travel plans are almost inevitable. Whether someone drops out or needs to adjust their schedule, it's essential to be prepared for last-minute alterations. Always check the airline’s change and cancellation policies before booking.

How to handle changes:

• Purchase flexible tickets or travel insurance that covers cancellations and changes.
• Inform your group about any penalties or fees for making changes to the booking.
• Keep an open line of communication with the airline to make adjustments as needed.

Book your group travels via Adani One platform, which offers you great discounts on your group booking deals. Keep checking the portal for group booking offers which will help you get your tickets at a good discount. If you are a regular Adani One user, you can use your Adani Reward Points earned through previous transactions to earn even more discount on your ticket fare.

Now that you’re familiar with how to book group flight tickets, start your planning with confidence and enjoy the exciting trip ahead!