airline ? for travelers

[Piglet's Pal]

Not sure where this thread fits...it's not Disney related, so I will try here.
If you have used Priceline for airline travel I would like to hear about your experience. I am thinking about trying Priceline for our next family vacation (not Disney), but don't know very much about it. Priceline promises only 1 connection, layovers not more than 3 hours & flights between 6 am & 10 pm...have you found this to be true?

Thanks, PP

 

[chell]

Not sure about how Priceline works but thought you might want to try SideStep to check for airfare.

 

[Piglet's Pal]

Thank you
I have checked sidestep, farechaser & kayak. I'm also signed up on Travelocity's farewatcher. The fares are high & I was hoping I could get something on Priceline for a better price. I just never used Priceline and am afraid to try...I think I need a little push!

 

[chell]

You are welcome. I've always found the best deals through tons of research, so I'm thankful that SideStep has come along.

You will find some answers about Priceline here soon. I know there are a number of people here who use them.

 

[Piglet's Pal]

Does anyone use Priceline?????

 

[jimmiej]

I've used priceline & http://www.hotwire.com/ both for airfare & lodging. Been very pleased each time.

Some words of advice:

-Don't use priceline if you need specific flight times. That being said, I've never had really awful times.

-Research the current discount prices (such as hotwire or http://www.orbitz.com/) & then bid lower. I've bid as low as 60% & won.

-Give yourself some options to raise your bid if your first bid is not accepted. Maybe a secondary airport or a different departure day.

-Buy trip insurance.

 

[sweet angel]

I've only used Priceline once -- for a hotel. I was very happy with it.

Where are you trying to fly out of? and to where?

I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to try Priceline for flights -- I'm way too much of a control freak for that.

 

[Piglet's Pal]

jimmiej...

If my first bid is denied can I just up my price or do I have to change something else?

 

[Piglet's Pal]

sweet angel

We are flying Baltimore to Boise or better yet Baltimore to Twin Falls. We are flexible with times, just visiting family. Since we don't really have a set schedule, I thought it might be a good time to give Priceline a try.

 

[jimmiej]

jimmiej...

If my first bid is denied can I just up my price or do I have to change something else?

You have to change something. Departing or arriving airport, dates.

 

[ktpool]

I have used both Priceline and Hotwire for hotels and airfare. I have never been too unhappy with flight times, though they are usually early morning flights.

The only problem I have ever had is when my flight was cancelled out of Rochester on American, they booked everyone else on another airline out of ROC except me and my 3 mo. old and 3 year old. We had to wait for the next American flight out -- 5 hours later! I was SOO not happy with that. They said it was because how my ticket was purchased (on Priceline).

But I have used them since with no problem. I even tried for my upcomeing vacation, but was denied :-(

Good luck!

 

[OhMari]

Go directly to the airline, they give you the best price. Priceline and sidestep is about $6-$15 more than the website. Try AA.com American Airlines, United airlines, Southwest if in your area always has great prices.

You get a e-ticket and if you went thru a travel agency, they would send you the exact same thing. Remember though most online tickets are non-refundable, but if you are certain you are going-go for it.

Out of Milwaukee WI i use Midwestexpress or Northwest airlines.

 

[bicker]

The only problem I have ever had is when my flight was cancelled out of Rochester on American, they booked everyone else on another airline out of ROC except me and my 3 mo. old and 3 year old. We had to wait for the next American flight out -- 5 hours later! I was SOO not happy with that. They said it was because how my ticket was purchased (on Priceline).

Interesting. I knew there were problems buying through Priceline, but I thought they were all related to having control over what you get -- I never realized that you get a lower level of service even with what you've gotten.

 

[sunlver]

Ive used priceline for rental cars and hotels, but never airfare. I like to choose my own time, that is why I dont use it for airfare. For example, I like being on the first flight in the morning leaving for my destination. On my return flight I like it closer to noon or a little after that. Priceline does not tell you ahead of time the time you will be traveling.