What is out of sequence travel?

Out-of-Sequence Travel: A Risky Gamble for Savings?

In the fast-paced world of online travel booking, some agencies are employing an unconventional strategy: out-of-sequence travel planning. This involves booking segments of a trip in a non-chronological order, potentially securing the return leg of a journey before confirming the outbound flights, or booking connecting flights before the initial departure. While this approach might seem counterintuitive, it’s sometimes presented as a way to snag lower fares or guarantee availability on high-demand routes. However, this practice carries significant risks that travelers should carefully consider.

The primary driver behind out-of-sequence booking is the dynamic nature of airline pricing. Fares fluctuate constantly, influenced by factors like demand, fuel costs, and competitor pricing. Agencies employing this tactic might gamble that a particular return leg will increase in price, locking in a lower fare early, even before the outbound flight is secured. Similarly, they might prioritize a specific connecting flight known for its limited availability, hoping to secure it before moving on to other segments.

While this approach can theoretically lead to savings, the potential downsides are substantial. The most obvious risk is the inability to secure a corresponding outbound flight at a reasonable price or at all. Imagine securing a cheap return flight from Paris to New York only to discover that flights to Paris have skyrocketed in price or are completely sold out on your desired travel dates. This could leave you scrambling for alternatives, potentially incurring significantly higher costs or having to drastically alter your travel plans.

Beyond the financial implications, out-of-sequence booking can create logistical nightmares. If the outbound flight experiences delays or cancellations, your pre-booked return flight might be forfeited, requiring you to purchase a new ticket at a potentially inflated price. This also complicates travel insurance claims, as policies often stipulate that all segments of a journey must be booked together to be covered under a single policy.

Furthermore, the perceived savings from out-of-sequence booking can be illusory. Airlines often offer discounts for round-trip bookings, and breaking the journey into separate segments can negate these savings. Moreover, the time and effort spent piecing together disparate flights can outweigh any potential financial benefits.

In conclusion, while out-of-sequence travel planning might hold a certain allure for the budget-conscious traveler, it’s a strategy fraught with risk. The potential for financial loss, logistical headaches, and forfeited travel insurance coverage significantly outweighs the possibility of marginal savings. Unless you’re an experienced traveler comfortable navigating the complexities of airline pricing and scheduling, sticking to traditional, chronological booking methods remains the safest and most reliable approach to planning your next adventure.