Question regarding booking flights for you travelers out there

So I'm working on booking a trip to Ireland for early May and I've been price stalking for a few weeks now.

I think we're probably going to just take Continental because the timing of the flights is just way better than any of the other combinations of flights (even though I would've liked to take aer lingus).

So my questions are:

Is it better to book through the airline's sight or a third-party site like expedia? Does it make any difference at all? The prices are identical!

Also, how long a layover do you need if you're transferring from a domestic flight to an international flight? If it's the same airline for both flights, do you have to move your bags or is it done for you?


If you can help with either of these, I'd be very grateful! I haven't traveled internationally all that much so I could use advice! For our HM we had a direct flight to Switzerland and return from Paris because I was still in the NY area... I've never had to transfer on an international flight before!

Any other advice totally welcome!

TIA!!!

I always think its better to book airfare through the airlines website if the prices are the same.

Usually with a domestic transfer on an international flight, the same layover rules apply. I like an hour between flights, but some people say you can get away with less. They will take care of transfering your bags on the way out of the USA.

Usually coming back into the USA you will have to pick up your bags, go through US Customs and then your bags get dropped back with the airline. I would then allow 2 hours between flights.

Hope this helps. By the way, I'm jealous. I want to go to Ireland!

I always book to ireland via continental or aer lingus direct. you need a 2 hour layover for international flights (according to aer lingus) but I've done less. Because you have to generally switch terminals and clear customs! OMG so jealous you are going to Ireland. Our intention was to take baby in March, but I'm going back to school in March instead! Where are you going to in Ireland?

edited to add:

you have to move luggage yourself when you get back to the US but should be able to clear customs at first domestic airport.