I recently had a low professional moment. Or rather, this is one of those ruts I seem to revisit every so often on the roller coaster that is running a business.
The thought creeps in: Maybe people don’t actually need travel advisors anymore.
This usually happens when I’m not hitting the milestones I think I should be, or I’m falling short of my personal goals. It’s the “what’s the point?” soundtrack in the background of an off day.
But then I’ll start working on the airfare piece of a client’s trip. As I wade through the digital chaos of departure options, fees to consider, and layovers to scrutinize, I think, “No wonder people need me to do this for them!”
Booking airfare — especially premium seats — isn’t just about finding a flight that “gets you there.”
Consider:
- The best routes and seats open far in advance, and the people who snap them up early get the most comfortable cabins, the best layovers, and the most reasonable prices.
- Premium cabins don’t just mean bigger seats — they can mean priority check-in, lounge access, better baggage allowances, and even skipping long customs lines in certain airports.
- Some deals are never published publicly, and you only see them if you’re working with the right industry-only partners.
Not all travel advisors even do airfare. That’s not how I roll. For your trip to really be curated to you, I manage that piece. I want to secure the best possible experience in the air for you!
Timing Is Everything
What can I really offer that’s different from Google Flights? That’s the kicker. I have tools and B2B-only (business-to-business) concierge partners that aren’t available to the public. These give me access to negotiated rates, bonuses, and deposit capabilities you wouldn’t find on a booking site — and in many cases, booking early is the only way to lock them in.
Check out these recommendations:
- International trips: Start looking 9–11 months in advance for the best selection.
- Peak seasons & holidays: Early booking is essential if you want ideal departure times and nonstop routes. You know everyone is trying to go home for Thanksgiving!
- Big trips (think 2026 bucket-list adventures): Planning now means you’ll have first pick of the best seats and the most favorable fares.
As we look into your flight options ahead of time, we can’t forget that these often bookend your trip. Vacation doesn’t feel quite real until you’ve gotten to the airport. If you’re like me, it’s easy to feel like the flight is just what you have to do in order to get to what you’re planning to enjoy. I don’t want to be in the airport any longer than I have to be.
But, that’s not the way we have to travel. There’s something to that cliche, “life is a journey, not a destination”. Enter: the benefits of upgraded airfare and concierge services.
Why Premium Airfare Can Be Worth It
Upgrading your seat isn’t about being “fancy” — it’s about changing the way you start and end your trip:
- You Arrive Ready to Explore — Sleeping horizontally on an overnight flight means your first day is an adventure, not a recovery mission.
- Less Time in Lines — Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling free up your energy.
- Better Amenities — A greater variety of snacks and beverages while on board, access to lounges, and extra leg room make vacation start even earlier.
And you don’t need to enter the world of elevated air travel by jumping straight to 5-figure first class seats. We can start with premium economy and still get you next level service.
So while you are certainly capable of managing airfare on your own, why should you be spending your valuable time doing so? Rather than spending hours comparing flight prices and wondering if the fare will drop or jump… you could let me take that off your plate. Early. Strategically. With options that make your journey better from start to finish.
The Bottom Line
Particularly if you’re dreaming of a 2026 journey and want the comfort, convenience, and value of premium airfare, the best time to start planning is now. The widest range of options is still on the table, let’s take advantage of them!
For a vacation that feels like it from start to finish, get on my calendar!
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