flight tickets conundrum

Ruth, I doubt that it's going to be possible to change your tickets, but I'd suggest that you speak with a Travel Agent or staff at the airline. It's highly likely there would be a "change fee" which could easily total $400 for both tickets, so you wouldn't really save anything. Good luck!

Thanks, Ken. I will see if I can find out more information from the airlines. One representative told me it is not possible because my flight tickets are nonrefundable. However, I didn't ask about a change fee, so I will inquire about that. At any rate, at least I didn't pay one of the higher prices! Ruth

Unfortunately, this is just how things work with non-refundable tickets. You never know if the price will go up or down. For some people it is best to just stop looking at the prices once you've bought. While I know a few airlines do have a 24 hour grace period after purchase, since it has been several weeks, it is unlikely that you will be able to get the price adjusted. I've exchanged non-refundable tickets a number of times for business and not once have I received a refund. Typically any change requires a penalty fee (often about $250 for an international flight). The penalty and change terms should be noted in the T&Cs for your ticket.

if you booked directly with the carrier, you are most likely out of luck. I used Orbitz to book my tickets as the site is owned by the airlines and they provide a price guarantee up until the time of your trip. If the flights are lower they cut you a check for the difference. It is a great way to go.

David, have you been able to get a refund under the Orbitz price guarantee?

I'm pretty sure the way Orbitz works is that someone else has to buy a ticket on the same flight as you through Orbitz and pay less than you did. Then and only then will they refund your difference. Better than nothing, but much more restricted than it seems at first glance. It's not just whether the price goes down at some point, as prices fluctuate wildly all the time. Ruth, I feel your pain, but what it if the ticket prices had gone up after you bought them? Would you have felt obliged to send an additional check to the airlines for the higher fare? That said, do call the carrier and ask about the change fee. Good luck.

Well, now the two tickets that I paid $2500 for are over $3000 -- $500 more expensive! I guess I ought to count my blessings that I got a fairly good deal considering! It may not be the lowest, but definitely not the highest either. For those who may wonder what airline -- it's Lufthansa. Maybe what I paid is a pretty good price for this particular airline. I am glad I bought my tickets when I did, because I did not want to wait for it to be too close to my departure date. Thanks, everyone, for all your support. You are my online travel family! Ruth :)

Ruth... well, now that you are feeling better....stop looking. I would just forget it and start planning the details of your trip. I never look back once I have my ticket.... usually can't do anything about it, so I work on the things I can change, like maybe the rate for my rental car, or the rate on a particular hotel. I typically change my car rental a few times so I can save money there. I also tend to change hotel reservations frequently if I can find a better hotel at a cheaper rate. I book most hotels through booking.com, so it is easy to change and keep track of. And, hopefully that low airline rate came and went so quickly that everyone sitting around you on the plane paid the higher rate!

Good advice. Stop looking and focus on the rest of your trip. You're going to have such a wonderful time! Happy travels.

first rule of travel:
once you book your airfare, never look back

As a rule of thumb...once you find a price you can live with...BUY IT AND STOP LOOKING. It will only make you crazy. Trying to find the best price is like rolling the dice. You have your tickets and now it is time to plan your trip. Buon viaggio,

And not really on topic, but...the same idea applies for shopping - if you see that great scarf/bracelet/keychain/set of wine glasses and think you'll come back tomorrow and get them...DON'T! Get them NOW! Don't pay any attention to what the sign says, either - they may or may not be open tomorrow/tonight/whenever. Don't wait for 'better', either; they won't be 'better' elsewhere. Sure, sometime this rule will leave you gnashing your teeth, but the alternative will leave you gnashing your teeth WAY more often! Move on from the airline tickets; now the fun trip planning begins!!!