Priceline or Orbitz for airfare

[mep319]

Has anyone used priceline or obitz for airfare? I hate paying over $200 per ticket but that seems the rate from PHL to MCO...But I'm also afraid to take a risk as to the times......we have a 7yr old & I hate to arrive late on check in day or leave too early the day checking out....I was wondering what kind of success folks have had purchasing there tickets thru them....How about anyone from Philadelphia to Orlando?? Thanks!

 

[momsully]

I purchase on Orbitz alot no problem. With Orbitz you can see what your flights are before purchasing. I don't do priceline because we fly from Denver with 2 small children and I don't want to deal with a red eye or a long layover.

 

[sarahsmom73]

I used orbitz! I too like to know what I am getting! I got a great rate which has not been seen since....

 

[Blondiex46]

thanks for asking cause I was wondering the same thing. Haven't made my airfare reservations yet but will check the airlines themselves as well as Orbitz and Cheapfares/tickets. Deciding if I should leave from AC or BWI also. Since Iam going in April I am sure that the fares will be higher but Southwest is opening a place in Philly in May but that won't help me but it might help you. I want to pay under 200 also, but Philly is one of the most expensive airports around (that is what I heard)

 

[IloveDMB]

I would definetly suggest to try to fly Spirit from AC. Just go to Spirit Airlines

It's always been cheaper to me to book directly from them.

They usually have really great specials where you can almost certainly get flights for under $200.

Also, I know Airtran flys out of Philly. Now they do not fly nonstop to Orlando. You will almost certainly have to connect in Atlanta. Their layovers aren't long and a lot of their fleet is new planes. I would also suggest to go directly to their website to check it out.
Airtran

 

[mep319]

Airtran does fly non stop to MCO but there are very few flights. And it is about the same cost as USAIR...literally $5.00 a seat less...I'd rather spend $15.00 dollars and pick the exact time I want. I've checked Spirit for my dates...I know I am early and they are actually about $280.00 a seat as opposed to 206 w/ USAIR. I called Southwest and they are going to be flying out of Philly in May...their schedule is up to the second week of May as of now so it should only be a matter of days until fares are released for Philly. I'm hoping it at least forces USAIR to release some cheaper seats. BWI is really not an option for me...its an hour and a half drive w/ no traffic (more likely 2) and I'd have to save big $$$ to make that trip...I'd rather drive to Allentown or Harrisburg...but again...no cheap flights from there! Thanks I'll check Orbitz when I get closer...Orbitz and Travelocity are actually more expensive right now then going to USAIR directly....

 

[topcat011]

I would stear clear of priceline for air flights. You pick the dates and they pick the flights. With a 7 year old child you can get a lot of connecting flights, very early flights or very late ones. Lots of information on doing airfare using priceline on www.biddingfortravel.com

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would agree with Tophat011. With any bidding you do not know the airline or the time of day of the flights until you have made your nonrefundable payment.

Generally what I have done is gone to Orbitz to see what they have to offer, then go to Spirit and Southwest's web sites to see what they have to offer, and finally go to the website of whichever airline I am going to use and make the reservation directly with the airline. Usually on the majors I can make my seat selections immediately.

Also sometimes you will get a better price at the airline's site, as well as not having to pay the Orbitz surcharge.

 

[powellrj]

You might try ATA. Its a really basic vacation airline that we have been using for about the last 15 years. Out of Indy they are usually the cheapest.

 

[mep319]

Unfortuately the problem with Philly is that it is a USAIR Hub and with the new construction at the airport is that they basically have a monopoly. The city of Phila agreed to give them x number of gates (like 90%) if they agreed to help finance the new construction....so basically we are in a situation when flying to places like MCO...you can fly USAIR or USAIR or USAIR. I mean to say that the only "decent' rate with good flight times and no lay over are thru USAIR. Did I mention that already?? I doubt ATA is even an option for us...our only hope is that Southwest will come in and drive down the prices....of course that didn't work w/ Airtran....it actually drove Airtrans prices up out of Philly...there is literally a $5 difference between the two!

 

[Blondiex46]

that is why I drove last year ,lol Also, I am checking Tampa, Daytona Beach and Savannah for fares and rental cars.