Booking Flights Online: What to Check Before You Pay
By the IsLegitReviews editorial team · 27 September 2026
Cheap fares attract fake booking sites and unreliable agents. A few minutes of checking can save a ruined trip.
Compare with the airline's own price
Search the same flight on the airline's website. If an agency is far cheaper, ask why. Large gaps can mean hidden fees added later, or a booking that never gets issued.
Check who you are actually paying
Look at the company name on the payment page and on your card statement. It should match the website and have a real address and phone number.
Ask for the ticket number, not only a booking reference
An e-ticket number (usually 13 digits) means the ticket has been issued. Enter your booking reference on the airline's "manage booking" page to confirm the reservation exists.
Read the change and refund rules
Many low fares are non-refundable, and agencies often add their own fees on top of the airline's. Know these before you pay, not after.
Pay by card
Card payments give you chargeback rights if the ticket is never issued. Be wary of agents who ask for bank transfers or payment apps.
Before booking with an agency you do not know, look up its rating and reviews.