What is the best source for airline tickets these days - online, agency, or airline direct? We need four tickets to Europe, dates somewhat flexible, perhaps open jaw, and of course are looking for the best price, with some flexibility after purchase. Any suggestions?
Posted by
Portland, OR, USA
389 posts
Dinah, we searched all the possibles (Orbits, Travelocity, etc.) but we ended up buying through the airline. You have a slightly different need as you want tickets that are changeable. Travelocity allows for open jaw and changable tickets but they are very expensive. I'd search open jaw for the best prices then check with the airline with the best price for their policy regarding changing a ticket. I've heard people say they flew stand-by or were given the value of their ticket on another ticket purchased in the next year, but that is probably different depending on the airline and when you fly. Good luck with that.
Posted by
San Diego/Seattle
175 posts
Check out kayak.com
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
83 posts
If you are looking for flexibility, online might not be your best bet. But I would use online searches to find the lower end of the price range and use that information to compare what a reputable travel agent finds for you.Just a warning, don't "put all your eggs in one basket" -as the cliche goes. I figured in my mind all internet meta-crawlers access the same sources but I was wrong. On a whim, one day I tried my flight info at mobissimo.com and discovered cheaper tickets that had not appeared on kayak.