Has anyone ever tried this?

[Spirit Feather]

Has anyone ever tried calling the airline and telling them that you want 4 tickets on flight number XXX for a certain date and time and then telling them that you are willing to pay $XXX.00 for each ticket? Do you think they would go for it?

Sort of like bidding for travel on Priceline, only you can choose your flights. I think when I get my airline $$$ together, I will call them and try it. The very worst that can happen will be that I get laughed at and the very best that can happen is that it will work!

 

[BethR]

Nope, never tried it. But, you know - "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."
I say go for it, all it will "cost" you is your time - and it may end up to your benefit.
Let us know how it goes.

 

[CarolA]

I have seen people try it at the airport. They generally strike out!

 

[cinmell]

No, never even thought of it. Let us know what they say.

 

[melomouse]

Spirit Feather -

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I've never tried it with an airline - though I'm on SWA's site almost every day!

Reminded me that I did try it with Radisson Hotel this past summer when planning a waterpark trip. I told them I was really a Marriott person, but what was the best rate I could get?
Gave me the Priceline rate right there over the phone - $39 and was beautiful! This is an area where HoJo was asking $109!

I say go for it! So you can laugh about it later either way! They want your travel dollar - there's not as many out there as there used to be!

 

[kilarney]

Wouldn't work. Airlines are VERY rigid with the rules these days, especially for a non-frequent flyer.

 

[travelitis]

Airline res. agents have no control over the fares nor do their immediate managers. Someone else sets the fares and rules and loads them into the computer.

You're more likely to get good info by calling a TA and asking what the lowest fare is regardless of availability and airline and how to schedule to get it.

If you want to bid for tickets try hotwire or priceline.

 

[veraletta]

Yes I did.. as when I call the airlines the prices they gave were much higher than the ones on line.. I told the guy that I saw them cheaper on line, and he asked me what flight and how much.. next thing I know he booked it for that price.

 

[travelitis]

The res agents aren't usually knowledgeable about how to get the lowest fare, which is only a matter of reading fare rules and looking for the right class of service. The airlines will have several classes per flight although as far as the consumer is concerned the only difference is the fare. If you know the right flights from looking online, you'll get the low fare over the phone, too. The info you really need to get the best price is the lowest fare regardless of availability and scheduling.

 

[ZooMommy]

I tried this today with United on the phone while I was online looking at Southwest's fares. We have enough points to get a free United ticket, but I couldn't get the date I needed. The reservationist asked me what SWA's price was, then told me she would match it if she'd had seats available (about $50/ticket). Even though I had to pay for 4 tix on SWA, I'm glad I booked them, because United was flying a puddle jumper to MCO and I don't like them AT ALL....

 

[cinlee3]

I looked up flights on Orbitz for DS going to CA. I couldn't book a ticket for him on line with Orbitz because he wasn't 18. I called AA directely and ask for a price quote. The price was higher than what I saw on line. I told the agent what price I saw on Orbitz and she booked it at that price.