This article aims to bring the best value for money for domestic flight bookings, and a super detailed guide to buying tickets for popular tourist areas
一. Aviation layout and booking strategy for popular tourist destinations
1. Comparison of hub airports on the east and west coasts
New York’s three airports: JFK (intensive international routes), EWR (United Airlines hub), LGA (domestic short-haul preferred).
Los Angeles’ two airports: LAX (international transit core), ONT (low-cost airline base).
Chicago’s two hubs: ORD (the second largest airport in the United States), MDW (Southwest Airlines home).
2. Sunshine Belt and Desert Cities
Miami’s two airports: MIA (preferred for high-end vacations), FLL (a concentration of low-cost airlines).
3. Central and northern cities
Chicago ORD Airport
Seattle SEA Airport: One of the airports with the highest punctuality rate in the United States
II. Golden booking period and price strategy
The peak season on the West Coast is from June to August, and it is recommended to book 4-6 months in advance; the peak season on the East Coast is from May to September, and it is recommended to book 3-4 months in advance; the peak season in the South is from December to April, and it is recommended to book 2-3 months in advance; the peak season in the North is from July to August/December to February, and it is recommended to book 3-6 months in advance
The "Super Tuesday" promotions in January, April, July, and October every year can also save a lot of money
III. In-depth analysis of additional services
1. Baggage policy optimization
Economy class: The first checked bag costs $35-40, and the second bag costs $45.
Business class: 2 pieces of checked baggage are free, and some airlines (such as Delta) offer priority boarding.
Hidden offer: American Express Gold cardholders can check in the first piece of baggage for free
2. Seats and In-flight Services
Preferred Seats: A surcharge of $30-50 will get you a seat with 4 inches more legroom, suitable for long-distance flights.
In-flight Wi-Fi: Covers A320 aircraft, $5/hour or $15 for the entire flight, and some airlines (such as Alaska Airlines) provide free text messaging services.
Duty-free shopping: DFS products on Hawaiian routes are cheaper than at the airport, and support US dollars and mobile payments.
四. FAQs
1. Rebooking and Cancellation Policy
Economy Class: Free rebooking once (price difference required), $75 handling fee for the second rebooking.
Business Class: Free rebooking unlimited times, full refund within 24 hours.
Special Tickets: No rebooking, refundable but handling fee charged.
2. Documents and Certificates
Domestic Flights: REAL ID-compliant driver's license or passport required from May 2025.
International transfer: If you are transferring through Canada, you need to apply for an eTA in advance.