Flights and prices

There are a few here who might occasionally still use a travel agent, but most of us book ourselves using the internet. I wouldn't know about the price relative to booking through a travel agent, since I haven't used one in years and years. I'm guessing, though, that if it was cheaper through a TA, people would use them instead.

Steven,

I like to use kayak.com or sidestep.com (I think they are both under the same ownership as they work almost exactly the same) The reason I like them, is that they give you an option for up to 3 days before and/or 3 days after your target date, so you can actually check the price for a 7 day span outbound, and a 7 day span inbound to get an idea where the absolute best days are for prices....if you have a flexible schedule. Just click flexible schedule right below the place where you enter the date of travel.
I find that the prices are running about $300 higher for spring/summer travel in 2010 than in 09 (We went Portland OR to Shannon Ireland last Aug 5 for $815 per ticket. I see now that most all the prices are in the $1040 to 1100 range. We booked our Aug 09 trip in early June....so there is still time...maybe. Most predictions are that the airlines are offering fewer flights now, and the shortage of seats has driven up the prices. Good Luck! Dan

Steven - I have found that flights from Sacramento are often less expensive than flying from the Bay Area. We flew roundtrip to Dublin last April for $427. Continental was running a sale from CA. June is generally more expensive than the Spring.

I would definitely not use a TA to book a flight and it is very easy to find lodging on your on using the internet.

Hi

Just what Andrea said..

I fly from Jacksonville to Ireland twice a year to see my family....

This year I was able to book airfare from Orlando to Shannon the last week in April for 400 dollars cheaper!

Even after I drive the hour and a half and pay for extended parking I am still saving money.

Wow, thanks for all of the encouraging responses! You guys ROCK! I know we can do this.

I generally use Kayak. This year I was using a CC rewards for one ticket, and went ahead and bought it about a month ago (@ $1004 each Denver to Cork, returning from Shannon in May/June)) - I just checked and the same flight is now $889 and $839 if willing to make 2nd change returning. Just never know what the fares are going to do - I spend a lot of time trying to get the best fare, then panic when they start going up and end up paying too much. Good luck :).