A Guide to Verifying If Your Flight Booking is Real

With more people opting for air travel for its efficiency, we also see a clear rise in air travel scams. From fake travel agencies selling fake tickets to theft of personal information, the list of travel scams is endless. It is important to know how to spot a fake travel agency. Many fake travel agencies may advertise themselves to attract customers by guaranteeing tickets at unbelievable prices and featuring overly positive customer reviews. Both first-time travellers and seasoned globetrotters can fall prey to such scams. As a result, people booking flights are constantly concerned. This article will tell you about some ways you can check if the flight tickets you have purchased are legitimate or not so you can fly to your destination seamlessly and securely. 

Ways to Ensure That Your Flight Booking is Real 

In order to take a flight, you need to have a confirmed and valid flight ticket. To ensure your flight booking is valid and you can embark on your air travel, check all the items listed below carefully. 

1. Check Using the Passenger Name Record (PNR) 

Your flight booking confirmation email will have a 6-digit alphanumeric code. This is your booking reference number, also known as a Passenger Name Record (PNR). This unique code can be used to verify if your flight booking is legitimate in the following way:

• Go to your chosen airline's official website or mobile app. 
• Click on "Manage Bookings" or "My Trips". 
• Carefully and accurately type your booking reference number and last name. 
• Check the flight booking presented for an e-ticket number, a 'Confirmed' status and your passenger details. 
• If you do not see your flight booking or see incorrect flight booking details, contact your travel agency for further assistance. 

2. Check Your E-Ticket Number 

If your flight booking is legitimate and confirmed, you will see a unique 13-digit E-ticket Number. An e-ticket number is assigned only when your flight booking is fully paid for and confirmed with the airline. The first three digits on your e-ticket represent the airline code. You can check your e-ticket number by following the simple steps listed below: 

• Go to your chosen airline's official website or mobile app. 
• Click on "Manage Bookings" or "My Trips". 
• Carefully and accurately enter your booking reference number and last name. 
• You will now see your e-ticket number along with your flight details and a 'Confirmed' ticket status. 
• In case you cannot view your e-ticket number, contact your travel agency for further assistance. 

3. Dial Your Chosen Airline

If you require special assistance, suspect a scam with your flight booking, or have any additional questions about your air travel, you can also speak with a live person at your chosen airline to verify your flight ticket. You can find the number of customer care representatives of your chosen airline on their official website. From there, you can dial the given number to reach travel experts who will confirm whether your flight booking is valid or not. Some other details to inquire about if you decide to call the airline include any doubts or queries you may have about your flight booking. 

4. Check if Your Travel Agency is Verified

Make sure that the online travel agency you choose to book your flights with has been verified and is a safe and secure flight booking platform. Instead of clicking on the cheapest fares possible and "unbelievable discounts", be patient and do your research about a travel agency. Check for an HTTPS-Secured label and IATA accreditation (International Air Transport Association). The unique 7-digit IATA code verifies the authenticity and safety of a travel website. You can check this code on the official IATA website as well. 

5. Read the Customer Reviews

Trustworthy and authentic websites like Google Reviews and Trustpilot can be used to verify if a website is genuine or not as well. Be wary of a lack of reviews or overly positive and seemingly fake customer reviews before confirming your flight bookings with a travel website. 

6. Check Your Flight Details 

Check if the boarding pass you received is valid. Verify if the name of your chosen airline, your name, age, timings of the flight and more are accurate. Check if your flight tickets have a scannable barcode or a QR code. This code should be clearly printed on your boarding pass and not blurry. On scanning this code, you should be able to view the confirmation page of your flight booking. 

7. Check the Payment Methods Available 

Make sure that your chosen travel agency offers safe and secure payment methods. The safest way to make a payment for a flight booking is by credit card, as in the event of a scam, you can contest fraudulent charges to recover your funds. Be wary if the travel website has unconventional payment methods such as wire transfers.

Conclusion 

Booking your flight tickets can be easy and secure. With the right booking choices and careful attention to detail, you too can fly around the world. With the methods listed above, you can book your flight tickets safely and securely and jet off to your destination without any worries. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How can I pay for my flight booking? 

The most secure way to pay for your flight bookings is with a credit card, so that in case of any fraudulent activity, fraudulent charges can be contested. 

2. How can I verify if a travel agency is safe for booking my flight tickets?

To verify whether a travel agency is safe, check for an HTTPS-secured website, IATA accreditation, and customer reviews on trusted platforms. 

3. How do I check my flight booking? 

You can check your flight booking on your chosen airline's official website or mobile app by going to 'My Trips' or 'Manage Bookings' and filling in your booking reference number and last name. After this, you will be able to see your flight booking with a "Confirmed" status. 

4. What does a confirmed flight booking mean? 

A confirmed flight booking means your seat is officially booked with the airline under your booking reference number. 

5. Where do I check customer reviews for my chosen travel agency? 

Google Reviews and Trustpilot are trusted platforms for customer reviews.