Best website for airline tickets(service, not price)
Jul 29th, 2006, 12:47 PM
#1
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Best website for airline tickets(service, not price)
Using the wonderful information on this board, I have checked every website imaginable for fares to Italy in February. If I pull the trigger now, I will get the same price from the airline and almost every other site. So, my question is, are there any special reasons to use one site over another? Do any offer better service, or have a reputation for messing things up? I used Expedia years ago for a trip, so I'll probably use them again unless the knowlegeable folks here advise me otherwise.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Jul 29th, 2006, 01:09 PM
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If price is equal, best bet is to go direct to the airline. If you do run into any problems you don't have to deal with a middleman. Third party vendors are notorious for poor customer service. For example, notice that Travelocity's "promise" is that they will "do everything to TRY to make it right" - not that they WILL make it right.
Jul 29th, 2006, 01:59 PM
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I agree - deal with the airline, they who actually fly you are the ones with staff on the ground, too, so when you need something, you can find them.
Try "finding" one of the internet middle-man entities in a foreign airport while in a pinch with a time constraint - are you kidding?
It is rare that you get a better fare on one of these non-airline air travel sites. Do your own research, on sites that don't sell, like kayak, and - armed with printouts and notes - make your own bookings.
Exceptions: Consolidators (real ones who bulk-buy certain flights on certain routes, not fake ones who pass themselves off as consolidators) where it's take-it-or-leave-it, often with a catch like no FF miles but way cheaper than anywhere else including the airline - that can pay off big-time.
Be flexible when calling them - know the answers to questions like "can you fly the next day" or "Do you mind being routed through XYZ for a savings of ABC dollars" etc.
Try "finding" one of the internet middle-man entities in a foreign airport while in a pinch with a time constraint - are you kidding?
It is rare that you get a better fare on one of these non-airline air travel sites. Do your own research, on sites that don't sell, like kayak, and - armed with printouts and notes - make your own bookings.
Exceptions: Consolidators (real ones who bulk-buy certain flights on certain routes, not fake ones who pass themselves off as consolidators) where it's take-it-or-leave-it, often with a catch like no FF miles but way cheaper than anywhere else including the airline - that can pay off big-time.
Be flexible when calling them - know the answers to questions like "can you fly the next day" or "Do you mind being routed through XYZ for a savings of ABC dollars" etc.
Jul 29th, 2006, 02:32 PM
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Hi samsmom, I probably do not get the lowest fares at times but I always book directly with the airlines. And there have been times when I have had to change my reservations and I have found it is quite easy when dealing directly with the airline..even when there is a fee to change my flight.
Jul 29th, 2006, 02:59 PM
#6
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Thank you all. I think I'm going to work up the courage and book tomorrow morning...directly with the airline as you suggest. I'm glad I checked! The people on this board have been so helpful as I begin the planning for my trip. I'm sure I will be here often to seek more advice from this generous community.
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