I'm getting ready to book a flight to Indianapolis out of Orlando for July 1-5. I usually use Expedia to search for a cheap flight, but was wondering if maybe there was something better to use.
I can't compare any, because Travelocity is the only one I've ever used. Never had any problems with them and always get a good rate. I have searched other sites for their rates, and since Travelocity was always comparable, I've just always booked with them.
When I have time, I like to look at Orbitz, Expedia, Hotwire and Priceline (they have the name your own $ feature as well as prefixed priceing) When you found a coulpe of flights you like on the site write down the flight numbers and the airline and go to the airline site directly- they are ususally anywhere from 5-50 bucks cheaper depending on date of travel and all that fun stuff- GOOD LUCK!
Consumer Reports suggests checking some lesser known sites such as www.kayak.comwww.sidestep.com and www.mobissimo.com In their research examples, they found lower fares through them than through expedia or travelocity. I think the results can vary a whole lot depending on the trip, so check them all as well as the big two and you might find a bargain. Don't forget to check if the quoted fares include all taxes and fees. Sometimes they do, but not always
Orbitz irritates me, but its what they use to book our travel at work, usually.
The reason it irritates me - they have this service where they remind you of your flight on your cell phone and give you gate information, etc. for your flight. Well, I started getting cellphone spammed. I was getting 10 or so calls a day at the highest point, for 3 different passengers, at all hours. I kept calling and calling them, saying "just never call this number again" but someone had typed my cell into their record, and they couldn't remove it without that persons permission!!!! To which I reply, WHAT??? Its my damned phone you're calling, and you can't remove the number without asking the person who lied about their phone number and got me spammed????
It took a month of calls in the damned middle of the night, and hours on hold with Orbitz customer service, to get this resolved.
Interesting stuff on Orbitz if you google "the best page in the universe" (in quotes) and scroll down for the article about Orbitz (it should be the 9th down). Don't read if you're offended by some coarse language. Other than the language, it's actually a very interesting article.
I love the airlines' sites, personally. I gather there is a growing trend towards airlines putting better fares on their own sites than they offer to any of the online booking agencies, because they want you on their airline.
In all honesty, though, the first place I check is Southwest's website. The aggregate sites tend to only offer the full-fare airlines, and Southwest is generally cheaper. They lack assigned seating, of course, but my experience with them was much better than with the full-fare carriers I've used.
We've gone through AirTran when going from KS to GA (son is in Army) and they have always had good rates and never had problems. Everything else we've gone through Expedia. DH thought Travelocity had better rates but when comparing the two for flights from CA to KS Expedia was better. Orbitz I found a little confusing for some reason. Just my 2 cents Hope you find what you are looking for and enjoy your trip!
Southwest has been the cheapest way to fly 100% of the time. The only times I don't go SW is when I am going to a city they don't serve. (I check out prices every trip though, just to see if again they are the lowest... so far, they are!)
Travelocity can get you a good deal on the regular airlines, BUT A CAUTION: I used them in 2000 to book a flight from Albany, NY to Oakland, CA (I forget the airline I ended up on, may have been American.) Anyway, I thought it was odd that a week passed with no email confirmation sent by the airline itself -- only from Travelocity. So I called the airline - and they had NO RECORD of the flight being booked! Luckily, my trip was still months away, and I got it worked out with the airline in time, and at the Travelocity price. So, buyer beware, make sure those tickets get put through to make that "great deal" worthwhile!
I use travelocity also. I WILL NOT fly Southwest cheapest or not as they charge for 2 seats if they think you weigh too much to fit into your seat. they have actually made people come out of line (and in some cases off the plane) and be weighed and if it's over a certain amount then you have to buy 2 tickets. I wouldn't have a problem at my weight but it's just the principle of the thing.
Jen -- I tend to look at several and compare. And... if I see something decent, I then go to the airlines website and see if I can get it better. Most often I use travelocity, sidestep and expedia. I hate orbitz
I've flown from Orland to Indy twice in the past few months --- once with Air Trans (and it was a disaster and horrible experience.... not that they all are, but that one was!) and once with Southwest. Southwest was the cheaper flight. They aren't my favorite airline.....I've never heard about them weighing a passenger (if that's true, that's HORRIBLE) but I really don't like the fact that they don't assign seats.. I really hate the whole A,B, C zone thing, but... I also like cheap, so... I go with them when they are if it's by much.
Booking flights online
