How to buy plane tickets for next year?

[Poly Pal]

I am counting down the days until we are 331 days out from next year's trip to Disney.

My friendly, local travel agent wants to charge $10 (or is it $20) per ticket for the four of us to book our flights. She's a nice lady, but I usually can get the same or lower fare on Delta's web site and can research fares on the various travel web sites. So why should I use a travel agent when I already know exactly what I want and I monitor fares closely up until date of departure?

Has anyone booked on Delta's web site? I tried once but did not have Skymile numbers for my 2 boys. So by the time I enrolled them on-line (took about 10 minutes), the lowest fares were sold out. I complained to Delta, but they offered nothing more than an apology.

I am also Medallion level with Delta, and I could call the special number on the back of my card. The folks there have always been helpful and pleasant.

So should I

a. Use a travel agent (air only as I book everything myself after doing my own research)
b. Book on Delta's web site?
c. Book through the Delta Medallion Member Service Line?

Thanks for any advice!

[seashoreCM]

If you know exactly what flights you want, and have quick second choice flights in mind you don't need a travel agent.

I have used Delta's on line booking quite successfully, however (as of now) you cannot use Delta Dollars, Delta vouchers, or Delta e-vouchers. Calling Delta on the phone, the fares may vary slightly (usually slightly higher) but you can use vouchers, etc.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

[Poly Pal]

Thanks seashoreCM. You reminded me that I do have vouchers on Delta to use, too.

So, if I book directly with Delta on the phone, do I need to go to the airport with the vouchers? I used to have a City Ticket Office right across the street from where I work but Delta closed it last year.

[Snow Shoe]

I booked using Deltas web site and found it very easy and several dollars cheaper. Now I've never used E-Tickets so that will be new to me.