Question for Expedia experts

[tar heel]

I've never booked a flight through Expedia before, so this is probably a dumb question. I thought I was buying a confirmed ticket right then and wasn't expecting to be told that I would hear whether the airline accepted within 24 hours. Should I be concerned? Do they often come back and say "sorry" after they've already charged my credit card? For the record, the price on the airline website is higher, but the flight is no where close to full. Hotwire lists the same lower price and says today is the last day to get it.

I'm freaking out a bit b/c I really should have booked this flight sooner . . . I also should have asked questions about Expedia, shouldn't I? We don't fly much, so take it easy on me!

 

[Green Tea]

I always get the confirmation email that I bought the ticket but it says the airline will confirm in 24 hours. That just seems to be the issuing of the eticket number. I buy flights on expedia all the time and never have had a glitch.

 

[tar heel]

Thanks, Green Tea -- that makes me feel a little better. So, is the next email from the airline? Does it usually take 24 hours?

 

[tar heel]

Got another question. My credit card hold says American Airlines Fl. Is that what it always is? The flight I booked (I hope) is not American.

 

[msmayor]

Got another question. My credit card hold says American Airlines Fl. Is that what it always is? The flight I booked (I hope) is not American.

Might be a codeshare...what airline did you book?

 

[Green Tea]

Go to expedia and click on the top right "my iteniraries' and see what it says. The confirmation email is from Expedia. Not the airline. Once you get the confirmation number you can go to the airline and change seats. Which airline did you book for? The credit card part I'm not sure about. (unless American has just merged with the one you booked and billing goes thru American???? )

 

[tar heel]

It's Air Tran. They just merged with Southwest, but I don't think they're associated with American. I don't have a confirmation number from the airline yet -- the Expedia confirmation says all the right things.

 

[Zerosinthecloset]

It's Air Tran. They just merged with Southwest, but I don't think they're associated with American. I don't have a confirmation number from the airline yet -- the Expedia confirmation says all the right things.

The Southwest/Airtarn deal technacalities(sp) are going to take a while to take effect, probably the first half of next year. It should take up to 24 months for both airlines to completely merge. The intention is to convert Airtrans fleet to SWA colors, and make reservations/checkin/seating just like Southwests.

 

[Green Tea]

That is strange!! I have no idea on the American thing. Just go to itineraries and see what is there. You can call Expedia as well. If you used your A+ rewards number for Airtan when you booked, the flight should be on the Airtran site under your bookings.

I really think by the time you check this morning it will all be worked out fine. Hope so!

 

[tar heel]

It's there this morning!

I've not flown in years, so here's another dumb question: do I need both a ticket and a boarding pass? I couldn't find a place to print a ticket -- I know I can't get the boarding pass until closer to flight.

I knew I was going to have to pay for luggage, but a seat fee? My low ticket price is going up, up, up!

I'm going to assume the American Airlines thingie is just how Expedia is doing its hold. The charge is still a hold at this point.

 

[Green Tea]

You don't need to pay for a seat. They will assign one. You just won't know it until 24 hours prior. You can then change it online if you want for free.

No printed ticket. At the 24 hour mark you print a boarding pass. That and drivers license is all you need.