Online Ticket Booking in Dubai: Official Websites vs. Aggregators

A full breakdown of flights: from hidden baggage fees to the pitfalls of non-refundable fares.

A familiar scenario: Aviasales tempts you with a ticket to Dubai for ₽25,000, while the Emirates website for the same flight is adamant—₽29,000. There’s a catch somewhere here, but where? This simple question makes many feel like detectives, unwittingly unraveling a complex tangle of prices, fees, and commissions. The good news is that we’ve already completed this quest and are ready to share a treasure map (and trap map) with you. Forget your doubts. Here, you’ll find a clear comparison of two approaches to buying tickets—directly from the airline and through an aggregator. We’ll break it all down: from the actual final price, including baggage, to hidden risks and the convenience of managing your booking. The goal is simple: after reading this article, you’ll make your decision not on a whim, but with a cool head, saving not only money but also your nerves.

Two paths to the sky: Getting to know the key players

To make the right choice, you need to understand who is selling you the tickets. There are only two types of sellers in the market: the airlines themselves, the “manufacturers” of your flight, and aggregators—“hypermarkets” that bring all offers together under one roof.

Direct purchase: features of airline websites

Buying a ticket directly from the carrier is a classic and the safest method. You communicate with the airline without intermediaries, giving you maximum control over your trip.

• Emirates: The flagship carrier of the UAE offers one of the most convenient and intuitive websites. The booking process is completely transparent, and adding miles through the Skywards loyalty program can be done with a single click during purchase.
• flydubai: This popular carrier clearly displays its fare structure (e.g., Lite, Value, Flex). You immediately see what each package includes—only hand luggage or also checked baggage and seat selection. No surprises at the payment stage.
• Air Arabia: The business model of this leading regional low-cost carrier means that you get the greatest value when purchasing directly. The website features a convenient flight “builder” where you decide for yourself which services (baggage, meals, a specific seat) you are willing to pay for.

Finding value: how aggregators work

The main benefit of aggregators such as Aviasales or Agent.ru is saving you time and money. The main misconception is thinking that aggregators sell tickets. In reality, they are powerful search engines: they scan hundreds of offers from airlines and online travel agencies to find the most attractive option for you.

The way they work is simple: you enter your route and dates, receive a list of options, compare prices, and, after choosing the best one, you’re redirected to the partner’s website (which could be either the airline itself or an online travel agency) to complete the purchase.

What does the ticket price really consist of?

The tempting price on the first search page is just bait. The actual cost of the ticket is often hidden beneath several layers of additional fees, which can easily turn a “great deal” into a financial disappointment. Let’s break down exactly what makes up the final price.

The modular fare system: what is included in the base price?

Today, most airlines, especially low-cost carriers, use a modular pricing system. This means that the base fare, which looks so attractive in the search results, often includes only the right to occupy a seat on the plane and bring a small carry-on bag.

Here’s a classic trap, illustrated by flydubai. On the official website, you’ll see clearly: the Lite fare is a ticket without checked baggage, while the Value fare includes a 20-kg suitcase. An aggregator, in its quest for the lowest price, will almost certainly rank the “bare-bones” Lite fare at the top. You’ll only find out about the extra charge for checked baggage at the next step, and there’s little pleasant about this surprise.

Baggage, window seats, and meals: how much do the “Little Things” cost?

Here are the main options that almost always require an additional fee and can significantly increase the final cost:

• Checked baggage: For low-cost carriers such as flydubai and Air Arabia, this is almost always a paid service. The cost can range from $20 to $70 per bag one way.
• Seat selection: Want to sit by the window or have more legroom? Be prepared to pay extra. The price for a standard seat typically ranges from $10–25, while a premium seat can cost $100 or more.
• In-flight meals: On budget airline flights, food and drinks are generally not included in the ticket price.

A big comparison: Official website vs. aggregator

To help you make an informed choice, we’ve summarized all the key differences in a simple table. Weigh the pros and cons based on what matters most to you.

Buying in practice: Payment, fare rules, and booking management

So, you’re almost there. Before you click the coveted “Pay” button, pay attention to several critical points. Payment usually goes smoothly using Visa and Mastercard bank cards. But the main hidden pitfall lies elsewhere.

The central point that requires your close attention is the “Fare Rules.” It is in this section, often hidden behind an inconspicuous link, that the terms for exchanging and refunding your ticket are outlined.

So what should you choose? Final recommendations

Choose aggregators if:

• Your top priority is finding the lowest possible price.
• Your travel dates are flexible, and you're willing to spend time comparing options.
• You're flying a simple round-trip route and don't need additional services.
• You're an experienced traveler and ready to sift through the fine print on partner websites to uncover hidden fees.

Choose official websites if:

• You value reliability and want to avoid any surprises.
• You're a member of a loyalty program and want to earn/spend miles.
• You have a complex flight with connections or special requirements (e.g., transporting a pet or sports equipment).
• You value the ability to easily manage your booking online.

Use a hybrid strategy (expert recommendation) if:

• You want to be confident that you've found the best price on the market (use an aggregator for searching and monitoring).
• At the same time, you value reliability and convenience (make your final purchase on the official website if the price difference is minimal or nonexistent).

Ticket purchased. What's next? Quick pre-flight checklist

Congratulations! The most challenging part is behind you. Now there are just a few simple steps left that will make your trip even more comfortable.

Save time: online flight check-in

This is a must for any modern traveler. Online check-in not only saves you a lot of time at the airport but also lets you choose a convenient seat in the cabin in advance.

Check-in opening times:

• Emirates: 48 hours before departure.
• flydubai: 48 hours before departure (closes 90 minutes prior).
• Air Arabia: 36 hours before departure.

Immediately after payment, a route receipt (e-ticket) will be sent to your email. After completing online check-in, you will receive a boarding pass.

At Dubai Airport, you don’t need to look for a printer—you can simply show your electronic boarding pass on your smartphone screen.

Prepare documents for entry into Dubai

Make sure you have a complete set of documents:

• International passport (valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry).
• Flight tickets (printed or in electronic form).
• Medical insurance covering the entire duration of your stay.
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking).

Have a smooth flight to the city of the future!

In the battle for your ticket to Dubai, there is no single winner. The aggregator acts as your personal scout, expertly finding the lowest prices on the market. The official website serves as your bodyguard, ensuring reliability and peace of mind.

The art of the savvy traveler lies not in choosing just one option, but in harnessing the strengths of both: using the scout to find the best deals and purchasing through the bodyguard when the price justifies the added security.

Now you hold all the cards in your hands. All that’s left is to make your move, open your browser and take the first, yet fully informed, step toward your journey to Dubai. Have a smooth flight!