Question about purchasing airline tickets online?

[Daisybelle]

I could use help from an experienced traveller. I haven't had to purchase airline tickets in years upon years which means I've never done it online. I'm watching fares on Travelocity and Expedia for our July Disneyland trip and have found some good fares at the same rates. The difference is on Expedia, they're all "only 3 seats left at this price!"
So...is that a true statement and I need to panic and pray my stimulus check gets here really fast or is it sales ploy? Or does anyone have a recommendation for a better way to go about getting tickets?

I hope my questions make sense. Sorry it's so wordy!

 

[Queenbillabong]

The rates do jump around sometimes. I have found that if you find a good rate, you better get it PDQ because it could go up very quickly - even within hours.... That being said, it can also go down again later. I bought tickets from YVR to LAX and was watching the rates - they went from around $450/pp and when I saw them for $300/pp, I jumped and bought them. I did not see them go that low again before our trip.

 

[Daisybelle]

Is one website better than others? More reputable?

 

[brenda1966]

when shopping for airline tickets I always check expedia and orbitz first. If you find a good rate, then go directly to that airline's website and see if you can get that same rate there. You will often find it is a bit cheaper as you're not paying orbitz or travelocity fees.

Also, don't forget to check any of the discount carriers that fly out of your airport. Southwest is not listed on Orbitz or any of those travel sites, but they often have the best rates.

Also, you can start to book an airline ticket and even get as far as picking your seats. This enables you to see how full the airplane is. Just don't complete the transaction or put any credit card information in until you're sure you're ready to buy.

When you find a good rate, one that works for you, book it! Then don't check the rates again. The do go up and down at times. Lately, they've been going up more than down.

 

[hlbtimes2]

This site might be helpful to you http://www.farecast.com/?cid=g_gen_tickets

 

[Queenbillabong]

and www.kayak.com will search for low fares. I always search Expedia, Travelocity, etc.

 

[Daisybelle]

Perfect! I had never seen those sites. I will snap up those tickets as soon as I get off work!

And such a smart idea to NOT look anymore once I buy them. That is so something I would do and would not doubt make myself crazy if I found better fare.

I sure appreciate the tips!!

 

[bumbershoot]

Perfect! I had never seen those sites. I will snap up those tickets as soon as I get off work!

And such a smart idea to NOT look anymore once I buy them. That is so something I would do and would not doubt make myself crazy if I found better fare.

I sure appreciate the tips!!

FYI those sites don't include Southwest. Southwest doesn't play well with them.

And also, SW is the ONE site where you won't make yourself crazy looking at fares later on, b/c with SW you can get a credit if your flight decreases in price. It's only a credit, for use within a year (fly within a year, not make a reservation within a year), but that's more than the other airlines do, without a charge, at this point.

 

[Daisybelle]

I forgot all about Southwest. I did so much research for the actual hotel and Disneyland part of our vacation that I neglected researching the airfare part. It's not nearly as exciting.

 

[ironpig70]

if an airline has 3 seats left and they are not together, but the price is right go ahead and book them. when you check in let them know about it and the airline will try very hard to get you together. and many single flying travelers will move seats to help the airlines. i have been on both sides of this.


i see you are from oregon so are you flying out of portland or eugene???? also look up your airport and find it's carriers and either burbank or lax to match them. alot cheaper that way.

 

[Daisybelle]

We'll be flying out of Portland. I'm kind of partial to the Orange County airport as it's close To Disneyland and I've been there before. Our previous trip to Disneyland (that a dear friend did all the planning on) we went that same route and I'm comfortable with it. Since it's just me and my daughter going this time I'm willing to sacrifice a small amount of $$ just for a little mental security. Next time I'm sure I'll be much more daring! Maybe.

 

[Cinderlala]

Searching for travel bargains is basically all I do!! [At least, that's what my husband would tell you! ]

I second the suggestion for kayak.com. I always start there, and then if you find a flight you like, it will take you straight to the airline's website--there are no fees for kayak at all.

[If you are really afraid, you can PM me & I'll try to help you.]

 

[Daisybelle]

Cinderlala, I will do that this evening! (I'm technically still at work so I shouldn't go to crazy with the Dis boards I suppose) I do have some other questions about all this e-ticket nonsense.

Thank you for the offer!

 

[Cinderlala]

Cinderlala, I will do that this evening! (I'm technically still at work so I shouldn't go to crazy with the Dis boards I suppose) I do have some other questions about all this e-ticket nonsense.

Thank you for the offer!

No problem! Seriously, I love making travel plans!!!

[I am on the East Coast, though, so I may not be able to do the searches tonight. Just PM me with your tentative dates & preferred airports & I'll take care of it tomorrow--if that's OK with you! ]

 

[lisah0711]

when shopping for airline tickets I always check expedia and orbitz first. If you find a good rate, then go directly to that airline's website and see if you can get that same rate there. You will often find it is a bit cheaper as you're not paying orbitz or travelocity fees.

When you find a good rate, one that works for you, book it! Then don't check the rates again. The do go up and down at times. Lately, they've been going up more than down.

Great advice!

 

[bumbershoot]

when shopping for airline tickets I always check expedia and orbitz first. If you find a good rate, then go directly to that airline's website and see if you can get that same rate there. You will often find it is a bit cheaper as you're not paying orbitz or travelocity fees.

Just noticed this, and wanted to say YES to it.

I remember looking for fares for my solo trip, and looking all around the internet for deals.

I ended up being really dumb, b/c I wanted to go through the rewards site I use to get a couple bucks back, so I booked through travelocity and orbitz; one for the hotel and one for a one-way ticket with Alaskan.

With both, I paid about 5 bucks for the privilege of using their site. With the hotel, at least I did get a deal. But the fare they showed for Alaskan was the exact same as directly through Alaskan, only with an extra fee tacked on. Sure, I got 2 bucks back through the site I use, but I was still out about $3 b/c of the fee.

So be sure to check the site of the airline in question.



Buying tickets online is easy, don't be scared!

 

[Daisybelle]

I did it! Phew. I took everyone's suggestions and reviewed the fares on mulitple sites and then went directly to the airline's site that had the lowest fares. And it was about $10 cheaper on their personal website. So all should be good to go! I am so over the moon excited! I had thought it was going to be cheaper to drive but it's actually quite a bit less for the airfare right now. Of course there's just the two of us. And I was not real excited at the thought of driving the whole way there and back with no help. Probably could have done it but I'm ok with not! Plus...now more money for souvenirs!

Thank you everyone!!!

 

[Cinderlala]

Good for you!!

[It really is easy. ]

Hope you have a great trip!!!!

 

[Daisybelle]

Ok, Cinderlala, I tried to PM you a question but I'm to shiney and new to use that feature apparently!

So one question I had was regarding boarding passes. The airline site said that you can print out boarding passes up to 24 hours in advance. This is fine for on the way but what do I do on the way home? Is there an place to print these out at the airports? There has to be right?

 

[dalepool]

Sorry this reply is a bit late but maybe someone else can use this tip

Alaska airlines will show the cheaper fares about 6 months out. I buy those as soon as I can for two reasons. Once they are gone they are gone and alaska will honor a cheaper fare, even theirs.

You are also able to hold a reservation for 24 hours -- few more hours depending on when you hold. Doing this lets you make sure you have the rooms you would like with out missing out on a good airline deal. You do not put any information in except for your name and phone and email number.

Have a good day --even if you can not be near the CASTLE