Domestic flight help

Hi friends, I’m planning to book a domestic flight within the US from Miami to Washington on either December 20th or 21st. There are four of us in the group (2 adults and 2 teenagers). I’ve never flown or booked a domestic flight in the US before. What are the do’s and don’ts when it comes to booking domestic flights?

In the UK, we have budget airlines like EasyJet and Ryanair that have strict policies on carry-on and checked luggage. Is it the same with US domestic carriers? Also, which budget airlines operate from Miami that I should avoid?

What’s the best time to book the flight in advance to get a reasonably priced fare? Any tips would be much appreciated.

Regards

San

Booking a domestic flight in the US can be a smooth experience once you understand a few key differences compared to flying in the UK. Here’s a detailed guide to help you with your Miami to Washington trip for four people.

1. Choosing Airlines

US domestic carriers include major airlines and low-cost carriers. Some budget airlines from Miami include:

• Spirit Airlines – Extremely low base fares, but nearly everything else costs extra: carry-on bags, checked luggage, seat selection, printing boarding passes at the airport, etc. It’s cheap if you travel light and flexible, but it can feel restrictive and expensive once you add fees.
• Frontier Airlines – Similar model to Spirit. Very low ticket prices, but extra fees for almost all services. Can be frustrating for families if you have bags or want seat assignments together.
• Allegiant Air – Less frequent flights, mainly targeting leisure destinations. They also add fees for luggage and seat selection.

Major carriers like American Airlines, Delta, and United offer higher base fares but include at least one carry-on and more flexible booking. For a family of four, they are generally more comfortable and less stressful.

2. Luggage Policies

Unlike budget airlines in Europe, US carriers have strict but slightly different luggage rules:

• Carry-on bag – Usually one standard bag plus a personal item (purse, backpack, laptop). Low-cost carriers may charge for carry-on.
• Checked luggage – Most budget airlines charge per bag. Major airlines often include one bag only for international flights; for domestic flights, it may still be extra.
• Weight limits
• Seat selection – Low-cost carriers often charge extra for choosing seats; major airlines usually let you choose in advance for free for families if you book early.