What should I look out for on online portals?

The law stipulates that the final price must be displayed at the first booking step. But if you want to buy cheap flight tickets, you need to be careful. Many providers cheat by not making additional costs clear, for example for checking in baggage or paying by credit card. Always read the small print carefully before making a booking. And: it is often worth booking directly with the airlines.

What else should I bear in mind when booking?

Random checks show that online bookings for an economy class ticket via smartphone are sometimes up to 72 euros more expensive than on a PC. It is therefore better to book from your PC. Always make sure that you enter your name and details correctly when booking. If typing errors creep in, having them corrected can be very expensive. Some airlines even require you to cancel the flight and make a new booking.

Another tip: check in online and bring your boarding pass to the airport either printed out or on your cell phone. Low-cost airlines such as Ryanair in particular charge extra fees for checking in at the counter.

Why should I always book baggage in advance?

Fares with hand baggage only are temptingly cheap. However, if you decide to take a suitcase with you after booking and book online, you will pay a lot more, even up to 70 euros with British Airways. It gets even more expensive if you register your suitcase at the counter.

What about regulations for hand luggage?

Suitcase manufacturers sell trolleys up to a size of 55 x 45 x 25 centimeters as cabin-compatible. But be careful: many airlines have reduced the permitted size. There are also no uniform rules regarding weight. Always ask.

Smart travel tips from frequent flyers

Scan documents Scan the most important documents in advance and send them to yourself by email. This makes it easier to organize a replacement in the event of loss or theft.

Choose the right queue At the check-in counter, queue up behind business or solo travelers. Groups and families with children usually take longer.

Take care of your shoes Avoid stress and delays at the security checkpoint by wearing shoes that you can easily take off and put on again.

Take a pillow with you Do you find it harder to sleep in unfamiliar surroundings? Then take a pillow or pillowcase from home with you. This will remind you of your usual sleeping place.

Hang your clothes in the bathroom If you hang them there while you shower, the hot steam will smooth out any creases from transportation.