Scared to press the BUY button - HELP

[Lil ole moi]

I have always gone through a travel agent when buying airline tickets, but this time, I'm going to book online through orbitz or cheaptickets (or the like), BUT for some strange reason, I can't seem to press the BUY NOW button. So to all those people reading this that have booked through sites like those mentioned above, please tell me it's a painless and safe way to book air tickets.

 

[Ishy]

I have always gone through a travel agent when buying airline tickets, but this time, I'm going to book online through orbitz or cheaptickets (or the like), BUT for some strange reason, I can't seem to press the BUY NOW button. So to all those people reading this that have booked through sites like those mentioned above, please tell me it's a painless and safe way to book air tickets.

Of course, you can buy online, give your information thru a highly encrypted security system yourself.... or you can call a TA, tell them your information, they will put it into the SAME highly encrypted system as soon as their computer is up and running.

I would recommend you search the airfare, figure out the flights you want, then check the prices at the airlines site.
Good Luck.

 

[bg4]

going to echo last post. I have used travelocity and expedia for hotels even though going directly to their web sites may be better but I digress.

I have never used these sites for airline tix or rental cars as I find booking directly is better and usually cheaper. This is not to say that you cant do it, get a good deal and be happy and have a great trip. Just my preference.

Do research first. Every airline website will give prices. And a big issue would be if you can check in on-line thru these travel sites. Do not do anything hasty. If fares are the same use airline over travel site obviously.

EDIT: I see you are from Canada and have used travel agents in past. In USA travel agents are no longer necessary but my answer generally still stands. I am certain that the major airlines in Canada work like those in US and could possibly be the same airlines.

 

[Sleepy]

I have never used these sites for airline tix or rental cars as I find booking directly is better and usually cheaper.

This is exactly what I have found over the past few years. Going directly through the airline is cheaper than one of those "discount" sites. Just yesterday my flight is $5 more through Expedia. I figure if I book through the airline itself, I can deal directly with the airline if I run into a problem.

 

[goofy4tink]

I have always gone through a travel agent when buying airline tickets, but this time, I'm going to book online through orbitz or cheaptickets (or the like), BUT for some strange reason, I can't seem to press the BUY NOW button. So to all those people reading this that have booked through sites like those mentioned above, please tell me it's a painless and safe way to book air tickets.

Do your research, find the fare that works best for you, take a big breath, and hit 'buy now'!!! It took me forever to join the ranks of those buying airline tickets on-line. Everyone just laughed at me for being such a ninny. Now, I wonder what took me so long. It's very safe, easy, and in a lot of cases...cheaper!!

 

[alicenwonder99]

I'm another person who buys airline tix only through the airlines' websites. I will start out by searching who has the cheapest airfare through sites like Expedia or Travelocity, but will buy directly through the airline's website. I always use my frequent flyer account number when I buy my airline tix (and maybe someday I'll actually have enough miles to get something for free...lol). Can you even put in your frequent flyer numbers on the discount sites??? Also, are you able to select your seats through the discount sites?

Southwest tickets don't show up through the discount sites, so I check that one separately (using DING, too).

Before you hit "BUY NOW" double check that all of your info and dates are correct.

Mary

 

[antmaril]

I, too, always buy my airlines tickets online through the airline. I may use Orbitz or Expedia to do some research, but I go to the airline's website to actually purchase the tickets. I feel more comfortable that way. I don't want to deal with the "middle man".

I have never had any problems purchasing airline tickets online.

 

[Michael623]

Ditto above. I use Travelocity/Expedia as a tool to see who's cheap and then book directly on the airline's site. Don't sweat it. I once made a reservation on BMI (British Midland) from the US. It was for a one way flight from Paris to London Gatwick and I had never even heard of the airline and had never been to london or Paris and everything worked out fine.

 

[jimmiej]

I've used Hotwire, Priceline, Orbitz, & Southwest for air & hotel with good results. As another poster said, do your research. Try several travel sites to get an idea what the price is. If it's acceptable, go for it. I always book my own. I like being in charge of my trip planning. Good luck!

 

[SadieDog]

I have always gone through a travel agent when buying airline tickets, but this time, I'm going to book online through orbitz or cheaptickets (or the like), BUT for some strange reason, I can't seem to press the BUY NOW button. So to all those people reading this that have booked through sites like those mentioned above, please tell me it's a painless and safe way to book air tickets.

If you have done your research and checked with your normal travel agent and know you have the best price, you will be fine.
This reminds me of when I was scared to press the button too. My husband was on the other side of the room yelling PRESS THE BUTTON, PRESS THE BUTTON I know how you feel, but it will work out.

 

[Sleepy]

I just bought my return leg of the trip through Delta (other leg SWA). It was not my first time buying a ticket online (the SWA tickets were my first), but I was sitting there on the Delta website afraid to click out of the site even after I printed my confirmation. I hate being in new situations. Always afraid I will forget to print something or read something ro do an additional required step. Most of all, I am afraid of finalizing something that I might kick myself for later.