Orbitz or airline

[toandjo]

When booking flights, are you better to book on a site like orbitz or book directly with the airline?

 

[wiigirl]

I just go with the cheapest with flights.

 

[sam_gordon]

When booking flights, are you better to book on a site like orbitz or book directly with the airline?

Airline, airline, airline, airline.

Use Orbitz/Travelocity/Expedia/Whatever to compare and find the best rates. Once you get the best rate, go to the airlines site and they should match. If they don't, call the airline.

The problem with booking through a third party is THEY own the reservation. So if there are any problems, you need to take it up with that third party.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Airline, airline, airline, airline.

Use Orbitz/Travelocity/Expedia/Whatever to compare and find the best rates. Once you get the best rate, go to the airlines site and they should match. If they don't, call the airline.

The problem with booking through a third party is THEY own the reservation. So if there are any problems, you need to take it up with that third party.

...airline, airline, airline, airline...

 

[MillauFr]

airline always. I have read too many stories about screwed up reservations and the booking website and the airline trading blame. Of course it is the customer who is left out in the cold.

 

[magicaldisney]

We did orbitz once, and never again. AIRLINE ONLY!!

 

[kkandaj]

Airline only here too! Got burned once--bought a ticket for DMIL through a third party site. She only flies about once every 18 months (I always take care of her travel reservations) so isn't a frequent traveler. There were issues with delays on her layover and the flight she was getting onto was overbooked. The airline informed her that she would be the last person on the plane because people that book through the airline get first dibs when a plane is overbooked. She called me from the airport in hysterics because she didn't know how to get a ticket for another flight. Thankfully, someone didn't show up for the flight and she was able to get on.

After that incident, I will only look for fares on the other sites and will only book through the actual airline.

 

[backyardponder]

You can't book Southwest through many of those websites. Make sure you check out southwest.com when booking.