10 Ways to Spot a Real Flight Deal — Avoid Black Friday Gimmicks

5. Confirm total price, not base fare

Headline fares often show only the base ticket cost and exclude taxes, carrier fees, and baggage charges. A low base fare doesn’t help if the final ticket price climbs past your budget once add-ons are included. Before you commit, expand the full-price view and simulate booking through to the payment screen. Look for mandatory extras such as baggage fees, seat selection charges, or fuel surcharges that apply to that fare class. For international travel, check potential visa or carrier surcharges. Comparing the final sums across sellers reveals whether the advertised "deal" truly saves money or just masks expensive add-ons.