Who has NOT booked flights directly with the airline?

[2Tiggies]

I was just ... aside from using a TA, I think I have always booked flights directly with the airline either by phone or online.

What are the potential "risks" if any, with booking through sites such as Netflights, Expedia, eBookers etc, as opposed to going directly to the relevant airline's website and booking directly through them?

 

[DISWolves]

I would probably check out if they are ATOL registered
Here is the website http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=1080

 

[2Tiggies]

Ah, thanks Nigel I am one of those annoying folk who always read the fine print. Don't have much of an impulsive spirit - at least not with spending large sums of money

 

[howlongtillsummer?]

Haven't done it. Not brave enough but am sure it would be fine. When are you looking for?

 

[cliveywolves]

We did I think we used Opodo a few years back and did have a issue regarding them trying to charge us more after we booked and paid online, but last couple of flights I have found booking direct with airlines has only cost maybe £25 more than using the likes of netflights, Expedia, eBookers etc...

 

[Tony Toon]

We've used netflights, expedia, opodo and holiday genie as well as booking direct with the airlines. Had no more problems with the agents than the airlines direct. Look out for cashback as well

Mrs TT

 

[2Tiggies]

We did I think we used Opodo a few years back and did have a issue regarding them trying to charge us more after we booked and paid online, but last couple of flights I have found booking direct with airlines has only cost maybe £25 more than using the likes of netflights, Expedia, eBookers etc...

We've used netflights, expedia, opodo and holiday genie as well as booking direct with the airlines. Had no more problems with the agents than the airlines direct. Look out for cashback as well

Mrs TT

Thanks guys Yes, got the cash back sites which I always check through Cliveywolves, at the moment (dummy dates as mine aren't open yet) there is a much bigger difference than £25. I would rather book directly with the airline if I can, but if the saving is in the region of several hundred pounds I am not going to be silly about it. I just wondered if there were any pitfalls to look out for.

It was Netflights I was looking at specifically that had the best deals right now, but that can and probably will change as different dates/availability opens up

 

[dizzy tam]

Hi I booked bargain flights yesterday with lastminute.com and had my E ticket issued within about 15 mins have just been on continentals website and reserved our seats. This is the first time that iv not booked direct with an airline hope that helps

 

[wayneg]

VA I usually book direct, rarely see better prices, other airlines totally opposite, agents are usually cheaper.
This holiday direct with AA £2,246, Orbitz.com $2,310. a massive saving, cheapest UK agent I found was £700pp.
I use whoever is cheapest, Expedia, Ebookers, Orbitz, Opodo....

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

I have used Expedia & Lastminute.com without any problems too

 

[2Tiggies]

VA I usually book direct, rarely see better prices, other airlines totally opposite, agents are usually cheaper.
This holiday direct with AA £2,246, Orbitz.com $2,310. a massive saving, cheapest UK agent I found was £700pp.
I use whoever is cheapest, Expedia, Ebookers, Orbitz, Opodo....

Thanks Wayne. Just keeping my options open. Forgot about Orbitz so will add them to my list. And you are right, the agents are much cheaper than the airlines direct (although last year was six of one ....) I also see that United have a lowest fare guarantee on their website. Nice to keep in mind - I'll be watching them

I just wanted some reassurance that there is nothing I need to be aware of booking via agent vs directly, so thank you all for your helpful info