Third Party ?

I agree with your friend. I also have seen this first hand--as an observer and not a victim.

If everything goes right, buying through a third party can save you money. But if a problem arises, you are not going to be at the top of the list of people who get help.

I have been told this directly by numerous airline gate agents and hotel front desk clerks. (And remember, I travel full time and live in hotels. I've had conversations with many of them about this very subject.)

Why should they be loyal to you if you're not loyal to them. Those are the exact words I've heard used with "loyal" being the most common.

I always book on the airline/hotel websites and join every frequent flier/stay program. They are free and the number on your reservation does make a difference.

There is another type of third party website that just shows prices but you actually book on the airline website (Like Kayak.) These are okay to use because you are booking directly with the airline or hotel.

There will be a lot of people coming here to say they have booked a zillion times on "cheapo travel" website and never had a problem. Underline the "never had a problem." But what if someday they do?

make sure the third-party price includes all the taxes.

It is up to you. If this really truly apples to apples, then you need to ask yourself (we don't need to know the answer) which you want more - the $80 or the greater peace of mind if something goes wrong.

Thanks for the good advice. Peace of mind is most important. Pgh

I did purchase a "great deal" about a dozen years ago. When a flight was late and I missed a connection I discovered that I had purchased tickets on multiple carriers that did not code share and I had to buy a new connection.. I go to the airlines now. So far I haven't noticed that it cost any more. Also, if you are flying two or more code share flights like United to Germany and Lufthansa to your final destination, then check the rate on both carriers websites. You will need to do that anyway to check seat availability on the code share flight.

Pgh,

I've seen a number of posts here over the years, from people who have had issues booking with third-party websites. If there's a problem, the typical scenario is that the airline/hotel/whatever and third-party always blames the other, and the consumer is left holding the bag and having to fight for restitution. I prefer to eliminate the middleman and always book directly with airlines or hotels, unless the hotel uses a third party website as their default booking site (I've encountered that a few times).

For $80, not worth taking the chances, for a $400 savings - maybe. The only time I book airfare through a third party booking agent is if it's non-stop (no connections), then I feel pretty safe doing it if is saves money. Peace of mind on a long trip with connections is definitely worth $80.

Can you specify which third party site?

I have been using skyscanner to find flights for our last several trips. ( IMO, it's a bit easier to use than Kayak because all the providers and prices are immediately visible for any given itinerary.) Almost never have I seen 3rd party site prices lower than the airlines', and often they are somewhat higher. If at all lower, the difference has been neglible. It has made me wonder why people use those 3rd parties at all. As several others have said, $40/pp isn't so much. Look at it as part of travel insurance.

There is a relatively recent and unmistakable trend ( particularly with hotels ) to match the prices of middleman sites , They are further providing incentives ( such as inclusion of free wifi ) if you book direct . Hilton properties are only one example , many independent and small chains are following suit .

I think there's a big difference between booking hotel rooms and buying air tickets, especially for flights with connections (more so for flights with tight connections). I book a lot of hotel rooms through 3rd party booking sites if the price is right and I confirm the reservations with hotel. For a flight with connections I prefer to book through with the airline in case of any glitches with connections, missed flights, delayed or canceled flights, etc. Peace of mind is worth a bit extra.

Two of my kids just used a third party site to save $800 total. As a worrywort who reads this Forum too much, I now have my DIL contacting the 3rd party and both airlines to find out who's responsible if there's a glitch. The 3rd party says they only sell tickets. This could go well, or they may learn an expensive lesson. I can't blame them for trying as they're young, work hard, and just want a vacation. Would I take the risk for $800? That I don't know, but for forty dollars--absolutely not.

Bets, if ii were younger and if I could get that sort of saving I would go for it. I'm just old and stodgy these days.

Right James. Now you understand what my question on the England Forum was about. We don't know if the second flight is protected--but $800! From the 3rd party's answer to DIL, I assume the site is a consolidator.

Bets, For the young the adventure is a big part of the trip. So there really is no loss if they deal with some inconveniences.

Did you check the Heathrow website. Its pretty helpful. We cross over 2 or 3 times a year and for the longest time more often than not we changed in Heathrow. The downside was the size of the place. The upside was the quality of the information and directions. I wouldn't panic if I had a 2 hour layover coming from the US. Now we go through Frankfurt and i am not sure if that is any faster or easier. .