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🟡 INTERMEDIATE

"I Know the Basics"

Some AI experience - ready for templates

✈️

How to Use These Templates Effectively

1

Pick and Tailor Your Template

Choose the template (Standard, Flexible Explorer, or Points & Miles) that best matches your travel goals. These are your starting prompts.

2

Fill in the Blanks with Strategic Details

Simply replacing [brackets] is good; adding strategic context is better. Before using the template, consider:

  • • Flexibility: Can you adjust your dates by 2-3 days? Being flexible is one of the biggest money-savers.
  • • Airports: Are you willing to fly from or into a nearby, smaller airport?
  • • Routes: Could a longer layover or a stopover program save you money?

Incorporate these strategic details directly into your template if possible.

3

Add a Specific "Action" or "Context" Line

After filling in the template, add one of these lines to guide the AI's output. This step replaces your original Step 3 with more nuanced instructions.

For AI with Web Search (e.g., ChatGPT Plus, Claude Pro, Copilot):

"Please search for current, real-time flight options based on the above criteria and present the top 3-5 deals in a table format, including airline, price, dates, and number of stops."

For AI without Web Search (e.g., standard free ChatGPT, Gemini):

"Based on general travel knowledge, provide a strategic search plan to find the best deals for this trip. Include specific websites to use, when to book, and any travel hacks like checking nearby airports or using fare alerts."

4

Verify and Book Directly

This is the most critical step. AI is a powerful research assistant, but you should always verify its findings.

  • ✓ Use the AI's suggestions to search on flight comparison sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak.
  • ✓ Always book directly through the airline's website after checking the final price, baggage fees, and cancellation policies.
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3 Ready-to-Use Templates

✈️

Template A: Standard Trip

For straightforward trips with specific dates and preferences

Copy and fill in the brackets: 

Search for flight options with these parameters:
- Route: [Departure] → [Destination]
- Dates: [Exact dates] OR [Month + flexibility]
- Travelers: [Number and type]
- Budget: [Total or per person]
- Preferences: [Direct/1 stop/morning flights/etc.]
- Bags: [Checked/carry-on]

Example Filled: 

Search for flight options with these parameters:
- Route: LAX → JFK
- Dates: June 15-22 (flexible +/- 2 days)
- Travelers: 2 adults
- Budget: $600 total
- Preferences: Direct flights preferred, no red-eyes
- Bags: 1 checked bag needed
🌍

Template B: Flexible Explorer

When you're flexible on dates or destinations and want to find the best deals

Copy and fill in the brackets: 

I'm flexible on dates/destinations. Find deals:
- Departure region: [Your area]
- Travel window: [Month/season]
- Trip length: [Days]
- Max budget: $[Amount]
- Interests: [Beach/city/mountains/etc.]
- Constraints: [No long flights/needs visa/etc.]

Example Filled: 

I'm flexible on dates/destinations. Find deals:
- Departure region: Boston area
- Travel window: October-November
- Trip length: 7-10 days
- Max budget: $800
- Interests: Warm beach destinations
- Constraints: No visa required, max 6 hour flight
💳

Template C: Points & Miles

For travelers using credit card points or airline miles

Copy and fill in the brackets: 

Optimize this trip using points:
- I have: [Points type and amount]
- Route: [Origin → Destination]
- When: [Dates/season]
- Class: [Economy/business]
- Travelers: [Number]

Example Filled: 

Optimize this trip using points:
- I have: 80,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points
- Route: San Francisco → Tokyo
- When: March 2025
- Class: Economy (willing to upgrade if good value)
- Travelers: 1