Collect everyone’s real starting point
Use each traveler’s actual preferred airport instead of assuming the group should all reposition to one city first. Add nearby-airport flexibility only when the traveler is genuinely willing to use it.
Agree on the group objective
Decide whether the group cares most about price, arriving close together, minimizing travel time or sharing part of the journey. The best flight plan changes depending on which of those matters most.
Compare the group at the same time
Avoid having every friend search independently and report random screenshots. Compare options using the same dates and decision criteria so the group is discussing the same plan.
Watch the outlier itinerary
The group average can hide one terrible route. Check whether any traveler is taking an extra stop, arriving much later or paying substantially more than everyone else.
Let each traveler own checkout
Make the shared decision together, then let each traveler enter their own passenger and payment information. That keeps the planning collaborative without turning one friend into the group’s booking agent.