Shopping for Airline Tickets
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These days, most people purchase airplane tickets online. There are dozens of web sites selling airline tickets. Beside the obvious sites, such as Orbitz, Travelocity, Expedia, etc. there are also web sites that will gather all these sites in separate windows to so you can compare them side by side such as SideStep. Prices can vary significantly. Be aware that many sites show low fares without including taxes and tariffs, which increase and sometimes even double the price of the advertised fare.
When purchasing a plane ticket, we recommend that you use the meg-sites to search for the best price. Before purchasing that ticket, check the airline’s web site, and see if they are offering the same fare. If possible always purchase your ticket directly from the airline. If you have a problem or need to make a change, it is much easier to deal directly with the airlines. Otherwise, you will have to deal with an intermediary, who may also charge a fee (in addition to any fee the airline will charge as well). International Fares
When traveling internationally, or dealing with intricate or unusual itineraries, we also recommend that you consider using a travel agent. Since the advent of cheap internet fares, fewer people use travel agents than in the past. But if you are traveling to a remote area, or bumped off a flight or miss that important connection to the last flight of the night to Santiago, Chile; a travel agent may be just what you need. Travel agents also have the advantage of both seeing and monitoring fares constantly. That is part of their jobs. So although a flight from St. Louis to Las Vegas is a simple purchase, navigating a trip to Iguassu Falls, Easter Island, or Bora Bora will require help. Frequent Flyer Miles
If you want to use Frequent Flyer miles it is important to book as early as possible. With so many Frequent Flyer programs, including credit card reward programs, more and more people are vying for fewer and fewer seats. Flexibility and patience are helpful if you are determined to use your miles or points to get a seat. Consider alternate travel dates if your desired departure and arrival dates are not available. You may also want to look at alternate airports, if you have the opportunity. We also recommend telephoning an airline reservation agent, as agents can offer greater creativity than online booking. Ask about partner carriers, and alternative routes. Remember you will still pay taxes and tariffs on your ticket even if it is free.Ticket-buying tips: