Priceline Name Your Price

[once]

Has anyone used Priceline Name Your Price before? How was your experience? Any pros and cons of using it?

I’m looking for airfare (1 adult) from SDF to MCO for September 2015. When would be a good time to bid? Also, how much information will they give you before bidding? Do you know the exact time or name of airline? If the cheapest option happens to be Southwest, can I use a Southwest gift card to pay for it? Do you book your flight and then notify Disney about the Magical Express? Do you notify the airline at all? Thanks in advance

 

[davper]

I wouldn't do it unless you had more time than money by a huge ratio.

Your 90 minute flight could turn into a 13 hour or longer journey and arrive the next day.

 

[Goon]

Has anyone used Priceline Name Your Price before? How was your experience? Any pros and cons of using it?

I’m looking for airfare (1 adult) from SDF to MCO for September 2015. When would be a good time to bid? Also, how much information will they give you before bidding? Do you know the exact time or name of airline? If the cheapest option happens to be Southwest, can I use a Southwest gift card to pay for it? Do you book your flight and then notify Disney about the Magical Express? Do you notify the airline at all? Thanks in advance

I've done it a few times; what the poster above says is VERY true...they are looking for the CHEAPEST flight for you, convenience is NOT a factor.

That said, it can be beneficial if (as stated above) you have flexibility on your travel days and don't have an airline preference.

Also, you would not be able to use a SW gift card; you enter your CC info before clicking "submit" on the Priceline site after entering the price you want to pay. If it is accepted, your card is run immediately and the transaction is non-refundable. Thus, make absolutely sure on your dates before clicking submit; there are no do-overs.

Good luck.

 

[supersnoop]

Has anyone used Priceline Name Your Price before? How was your experience? Any pros and cons of using it?

I’m looking for airfare (1 adult) from SDF to MCO for September 2015. When would be a good time to bid? Also, how much information will they give you before bidding? Do you know the exact time or name of airline? If the cheapest option happens to be Southwest, can I use a Southwest gift card to pay for it? Do you book your flight and then notify Disney about the Magical Express? Do you notify the airline at all? Thanks in advance

You don't know anything in advance other than the airport and day. You'll provide your payment method up front and they'll charge you for whatever you request if they get a match.

For airline bidding, they may come back and ask if you're willing to fly in the off-hours (very early or way late in the day). I think there is some protection against getting a red-eye flight, but not much.

In general, Priceline is only good for hotels. The lost flexibility and choice isn't worth the discount for cars or airfare.

 

[once]

Thank you all. Sounds like it's not worth it, at least for the airfare. Too bad I missed out on the $99 Southwest deal for this year