Many people use web databases on a frequent basis. For example, you might use a web database to search for a flight for an upcoming vacation. The following steps guide you through the process of performing a basic and advanced search for a flight.
Basic Search
a. Navigate to a travel website that can search flights on multiple airlines. b. Specify whether this is a round trip or one-way trip. c. Select the originating city, departure date, destination city, and return date (if this is will be a round-trip ticket). d. Run the search. Record the number of search results, and then locate the flight that best meets your needs and budget.
Advanced Search
a. Navigate back to the page where you can enter the search criteria. b. If necessary, enter the same criteria from the previous set of steps (round trip or one-way, departure date, destination city, and return date). c. For each flight, specify the time frame you prefer to leave and when you would like to arrive. d. Specify up to three preferred airlines you want to fly. e. Specify an acceptable airfare for the flight. f. Specify whether you prefer a nonstop flight or a flight with one or more connections. g. Run the search. Record the number of search results and then locate the flight that best meets your needs and budget.
Exercises
1. Do you typically perform basic searches where you enter the minimum amount of criteria required, or do you typically perform searches and specify additional criteria? In your opinion, which type of search is better? Why?
2. How long did it take you to locate an acceptable flight using the basic search? How long did it take you to find an acceptable flight when you performed an advanced search?
