I Booked Today!! Saved $$!

[Jo-Anne]

After months of checking belairtravel.com, the air prices finally dropped today for our 9/29-10/4 trip. I really wanted Canada3000 since they have the better flight times. Yesterday prices were $232 + tax and today they are $213 + tax = 348.48/adult and $194+ tax = $328.08 for our daughter. The total was $1025.04. I then placed a call to The Flight Center who makes a habit of beating any valid price. They initially told me a total price of $1064.68 so I told them what the internet sight was quoting and they beat that for an even $1000! So I booked...it's such a relief to not be worrying about whether our flights would come through since I already have the hotels booked!
Also as an aside, the travel agent quoted me $30/ticket cancellation/interruption insurance (up to $800). However, I checked with my CIBCAerogold card underwriters insurance company and they gave me $2000 coverage for $23.54/ticket. As Canadians, we have to scrimp and find every savings!! Just thought I'd share!

[CindyAnn]

Jo-Anne - It's always such a relief to get the flights actually booked, isn't it? I know last year that the taxes were just huge, as you're quoting, and that really helps to drive the prices up. Some of the flights I was looking at on Southwest from Buffalo were only charging $8.00 and change for the taxes. Isn't that incredible? Even in US $ the 8.00 or so doesn't quite work out to over $130 in taxes Canadian per person. We were very happy with The Flight Center when we booked through them last November, and at that time they were able to beat all the advertised and internet Canada 3000 fares.

Have fun!

[grover]

Wow!! Great prices!!
Grover in Winnipeg :smooth:

[sammi]

Hi Jo-Anne: Sounds like you got a pretty good deal! Can you tell me please what the Flight Center is? I don't think I've ever heard of it? Thanks!:)

[Jo-Anne]

Sammi - The Flight Centers are "Discount Flight Specialists". They are basically travel agents often found in malls but they are a world-wide business with their Head Office in Australia. They make "bulk" deals with airlines so they can usually get better deals. The one I deal with is at Yonge and Sheppard, but I do most of my dealings with them over the phone and fax. They have a toll free number if you want to talk to them 1-888-840-6640. Their business card says they "guarantee to BEAT any genuine quoted price". Hope this helps.
Cindy - I also looked at the Buffalo flights as the costs were very tempting, but it really came down to convenience for me. We're taking our 5 yr old DD, but leaving my 2yr old DS at home with Grandparent, so wanted to be away from him as little as possible....he's coming next year tho, so we may be off to Buffalo then! Jo

[PoohBWV]

Every little bit counts for us Canadians. Sounds like your vacation plans are really coming together for you. Now the hard part, waiting for the big day.:)

[sammi]

That's really interesting!:) I'll have to keep that number handy for our next trip and give it a try. Every little bit counts! lol Thanks Jo-Anne:p