: Direct bookings often guarantee you earn the maximum frequent flyer miles and are often the only way to ensure your elite status benefits (like free upgrades) are fully recognized.
Booking directly through an airline’s official website or app is widely considered the safest and most reliable method.
: Federal law in the U.S. typically mandates a 24-hour refund window for tickets booked directly with an airline at least seven days before departure. 2. Metasearch Engines (Comparison Sites)