Where do you buy airline tickets?

[tzolkin]

A spin-off of the "When do you buy airline tickets?" thread...

It's been a few years since we've flown. What are the website(s) you use to look for flights?

My MIL visits us 3-4 times per year, but she always flies JetBlue since they are the only airline that currently has a direct flight from Orlando to our city. I always book her flights directly with JetBlue.

DH and I are thinking about taking a short trip and I'd like to find an inexpensive flight. This would be our first time going anywhere without the kids, so I'm a bit nervous but my parents suggested it and offered to watch them so we should probably jump on the opportunity.

 

[Justsyd2]

I go to the airlines' website to purchase tickets. I check each airlines for the best deal. I've found that purchasing through other websites usually means added fees, and I don't want to pay them.

 

[Handbag Lady]

I buy directly from the airlines' websites. Then, I program their customer service number into my cell phone.

This way, in case there is ever a delay at the airport, I can immediately dial them up and say I am a direct customer and my flight is delayed and make immediate arrangements. It is much faster than waiting in the line at the airport along with hundreds of other people.

I've never had to use this, but a friend who travels for business three times a month does and it has been handy for her.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I go to www.kayak.com and that searches through all airlines and sites like expedia, orbitz, etc. Usually the airlines websites end up being the cheapest and I buy from them (or whoever is the cheapest with the flight times I want).

 

[Swimalie]

I usually search Orbitz but then I'll search the individual airlines as well and usually can get a lower price buying direct. I'm searching for tickets to swim at Nationals in Delta right now, in fact. $166 - not bad but I'll wait a bit longer.

 

[rentayenta]

I search www.sidestep.com and have found amazing deals. You can sign up and get daily email alerts and that's how I found out $200 rt from SLC to MCO and even better SLC to Cabo San Lucas, non-stop, great flight times, on Delta for $526 total for 2 ppl.

 

[SandrA9810]

I usually use a search engine like kayak, bing, or yahoo travels to get a general idea of who's cheapest. But it's usually cheapest to purchase directly from the airline's website.

You say your MIL flies jetblue, do you use any special programs with them??

I signed up for airtran's A+ rewards, it's free. I get emailed coupons, and like every 20th flight booked is free.

 

[Nette]

I jetblue... so I buy all of our tickets there... well at least to places that jetblue flies. Sometimes you really have to fiddle with dates, but they are constantly running specials that they send out via email. And their customer service is top notch.

 

[tzolkin]

Thanks for all the responses.

I was really wondering which site to use, but based on the advice I guess I will check out the approximate prices on travelocity/kayak/etc and then go to the individual airline websites to compare/buy.

We're thinking of going to San Francisco and/or Seattle to visit friends and because we've never been to the west coast (or had an adults only trip... not even a honeymoon). I just didn't want to search through the website of every airline that flies into those cities.

I usually use a search engine like kayak, bing, or yahoo travels to get a general idea of who's cheapest. But it's usually cheapest to purchase directly from the airline's website.

You say your MIL flies jetblue, do you use any special programs with them??

I signed up for airtran's A+ rewards, it's free. I get emailed coupons, and like every 20th flight booked is free.

DH recently signed her up for their rewards program to earn points for each flight. I'm not exactly sure how it works, but she certainly flies here often so hopefully she should earn a free flight.

 

[Crazy Hakim]

Also want to mention yapta
You can tag an airfare and it will watch your specific flights for a price drop, or if it anticipates an increase a warning to buy now.

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

We're thinking of going to San Francisco and/or Seattle to visit friends and because we've never been to the west coast (or had an adults only trip... not even a honeymoon). I just didn't want to search through the website of every airline that flies into those cities.

Don't forget to check other airports nearby. If you decide on San Francisco you can also check Oakland (OAK) International Airport. Depending on where your friends live it actually might be a closer airport for them.

Have a great adults only trip!