Priceline to book tickets

Of course lots of people have done this before else Priceline wouldn't be in business. You "found" a $600 price or you "bought" it?

How much are you able to learn about that flight before you actually purchase? Does it tell you how many legs there are to it and what and where your layovers will be? I've known of some people who have saved hundreds of dollars flying to Europe but it's almost always been by making all sorts of concessions (in time and convenience) that I'm not willing to do.

You might look at the website betterbidding.com or biddingfortravel.com. On both of these sites, people post info on winning bids. I've used priceline for hotels but never for flights. For me, the time of the flights and getting as direct a route as possible are very important to me, so I don't want to take the risk.

You really don't learn much of anything about the flight. That's why I was curious about the OP's statement saying she "found" great deals because if you "found" them before purchasing then you didn't actually do the bidding process. You can indicate your willingness to make 2 or more connections and fly a non-jet plane, but no other details. The flight can leave ANY time on the day you request. If you have problems with the ticket the airlines will absolutely 100% NOT help in any way. They will tell you to call Priceline to deal with any problems. I would have to be pretty desperate to use Priceline for a flight.

I am pretty desperate to have a cheap flight and may be willing to take some of the inconvenience...although it will be my first time flying to Italy so I don't know how torturous that can be. Thanks Laura for the other websites, I will check them out.

That is a really great price and it may be true. We also look for the best price and have had 2 layovers, fine with us if the price is right. One thing to look for is some cheap rates have you spending the night somewhere and taking another flight in the morning....now that is something I wouldn't want to do. Good luck, I'm working on air for May!

We use Priceline for cars in the US almost every time but never for flights. I would also imagine the trip would take more than a day and several legs of undesirable lengthy layovers from California. Also keep in mind, it is a long trip anyhow and jet lag plus extra stress of additional layovers might not be the best way to start off your trip. I would use this as a very last resort and only if your budget will not allow a trip if the price was higher. Keep in mind also if the layovers are long, you could be stuck in airports eating overpriced, unhealthy airport food which could have gone towards a more desirable plane ticket/flight schedule.

Another option for finding cheaper flights is to sign up for newsletters on the airline websites. KLM, Air France and Alitalia frequently alert me to special deals which are usually only good for a day or maybe two days. Last year I bought Toronto to Florence Italy for $675 including taxes for a trip in May of this year. Non stop Toronto to Rome and then Rome to Florence. All on Alitalia booked online on the Alitalia website. THis year's sale was more $799 all in. but there are deals to be add if you act as soon as you get the notification. You have a lot more information when you do it this way.