Frequent flier miles: black-out dates

[Alex2kMommy]

I saw a guy on TV one time talking about how to get the best price for airfare, and also how to use your frequent flier miles on black-out dates. Does anybody know who this guy is? I think he had a book he was pitching on a talk show. I can't remember the exact details of either method now that I need to... Should have taken notes, it was very interesting!

Thanks!

 

[hlbtimes2]

Have no idea who he is or what the book is. But, I'll tell you how I find the best price- Travelocity. They have an option to put in your cities, and then put in flexible dates. Right now they have flights from Seattle to Long Beach, SNA or LAX for $203 (+ tax and fees). Its about $220 total. I actually found an option from Bellingham to Palm Springs for $103 ROUND TRIP on there yesterday. Its dumb, because the Bellingham flight stops at SEA, but you cant book it directly from SEA. But, none the less, the site will help you find a good deal.

 

[Albort]

it depends on what day you leave and go back and from where your leaving...

 

[Alex2kMommy]

I think I found it online, the guy calls himself the Travel Detective and has several books out, relating strategies for airfare, hotel and other travel-related expenses.

The little blurb about the book sounded good, but there was a quite lengthy customer review of the book that was very unfavorable. The reviewer is a former hotel front desk manager, who said the advice (he actually used the word 'scams') on hotels given in the book was incorrect, and likely to wind up charging you more rather than less. And he called the advice on airlines 'remedial' and useless after 9/11.

I was hoping I was on to a good cost-saving measure this time, but perhaps not.