I'm starting to look for flights from Minneapolis to Rome round trip. I found a great flight through www.airfare.com flying KLM for about $750. KLM, however, offers the same flight for $880. Both include taxes and fees. Am I missing something here? I can't seem to find any "hidden costs" through airfare.com, but I'm suspicious. What am I missing?
Posted by
Carbondale, IL, USA
1201 posts
you'll be missing $130 if you book through KLM. ;-)
But seriously, there may be no differnce whatsoever or you may have a non-refundable versus refundable etc.
Pricing airline seats a strange and arcane science. Many times if not most, the internet search engines will have better prices for the same seats than the carrier websites.
try searching on kayak.com , it searches multiple sites.
Posted by
Corsicana, Texas, USA
354 posts
In most cases, booking a flight through a consolidator has the advantage of low price, but has the disadvantage of inflexibility. In other words, you'll save money, but you probably won't be able to change your ticket after the purchase.
Posted by
OP
Ely, MN, USA
274 posts
I'm noticing even travelocity, expedia, etc. don't have flighs as cheap as airfare.com. I'm just nervous there's going to be a surprise at the end. Has anyone else used them?
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15791 posts
I think KLM has odd pricing. I got a fare of about $650 to Chicago, originating in Tel Aviv for Oct 09. The same route, originating in Chicago is more than 50% higher. I looked at flights next spring, round trip to Toronto. Flights originating in Toronto were about TWICE the price of flights from Israel. Perhaps airfare.com is able to take advantage of these pricing discrepancies, and still making a bundle.
Posted by
Puyallup, WA, USA
881 posts
If you're only finding the price on airfare.com sounds like they are reselling it, and not acting as the airline's 'agent' on this one. Aka a consolidated, bulk, special etc fare.
Like others have said, it may have more restrictions. It would be smart to call up and check if it's refundable or changeable.
If it fits your needs, then go for it! :)