Delta cheaper by phone

[jetsetter90]

Hi,

I just wanted to let you know that I needed rates for Nov and when I checked on all the usual sites the rates where coming in at $223 JFK-TPA. I decided to call Delta, since you can't hold a reseration online, and I got the rate at $188 and that's including the $10 fee for the same exact times. I thought the rates were supposed to be cheaper online

TTFN

Jetsetter90

 

[bicker]

Generally, the rates are less expensive online. It's just a matter of entering the correct input on the correct screens, and sometimes that's difficult.

 

[seashoreCM]

Not all the time. It pays to shop if you want the absolute lowest price.

The numerous and frequent fare changes do not occur in the online data base and at telephone headquarters at the exact same moment.

I dare say that, suppose there were three seats at $178. and you needed four, a phone agent might book all 4 for you at that fare while the on-line site doggedly reported the next fare tier of $233. Depends on his mood and perhaps if he had insider information of an upcoming fare sale on another airline starting later int he day.

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

 

[jetsetter90]

I dare say that, suppose there were three seats at $178. and you needed four, a phone agent might book all 4 for you at that fare while the on-line site doggedly reported the next fare tier of $233. Depends on his mood and perhaps if he had insider information of an upcoming fare sale on another airline starting later int he day.

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

I agree but I checked online first and then called so it would have been the other way around.

BTW The reason why I mentioned this is because it was just a fluke and if someone had been checking for lower rates to also try calling. I agree that normally online rates are much better.

TTFN
Jetsetter

 

[Pigsty333]

Did you check Air Tran out of White Plains. I see you are from Westchester (so was I, now living 3 exits from the Kingdom). They fly directly. I have gotten the fare for my family for $69 to $79 each way from White Plains. There is only one direct fly (non-stop) each day and the others have one connection.

Let me know how you fare.

 

[pumba]

we saw on line.....Orbitz or something like that......not bad prices for next April...so hubby gets on the phone and calls Delta direct and asks why it is cheaper there then on delta site......she told him that these places buy tickets in BULK and get them cheaper........so she asked when we wanted to go and he told her.....and she gave it to us for the same price and same times.......YES!!
so ask and dont get upset about the prices

 

[seashoreCM]

these places buy tickets in BULK and get them cheaper

OT: Travel agencies do from time to time buy airplane tickets and book hotel rooms in bulk. These bookings are absolutely positively non-refundable; the airline or hotel gets its money guaranteed. One of the consumer-visible consequences is that flights or hotels may show sold out status early in the game and appear empty when guests who succeeded in booking finally get there; a travel agency had goofed in its predictions and investment and failed to get rid of the rooms/tickets in any way, shape, or form by the travel date.

Not OT: With very short notice you may occasionally find super deals from travel agencies such as Orbitz when they are trying to unload what remains of bulk rooms and tickets.