Booking travel to Zurich on Lufthansa. Is there any advantage to booking directly with airlines rather then using the various other travel web sites? Tips?
Posted by
Lincoln, NE, USA
390 posts
I have found that booking direct with the airlines usually saves about $5-10, but this isn't always the case. One definite advantage to booking direct is that if you have any problems with your reservation, it's much easier to get things fixed when you're only dealing with one company. I almost always book direct with the airline - then I know they definitely have my reservation. (although I still call to confirm)
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1895 posts
Book with the airline. I have a friend that forgot her paper ticket at the airport when checking in...she'd booked on Cheaptickets.com. United made her BUY another $1000 ticket to fly. Even though they had the reservation in the computer...now she has to contact the airline and Orbitz to get her original money back.
Like the poster above said...if you have a problem, the airlines are easier to deal with. Even though Orbitz and the other online ticket sellers say they'll help....it's better to be ONE to ONE with the airline.
AND, you might consider buying travel insurance too!
Posted by
San Jose, CA, USA
424 posts
Bob, I would book directly with the airline for all the reasons above and because sometimes, with some airlines, they do not let you acrue frequent flyer miles if you book those through the discount travel websites. It happened to me twice with AA booking through Orbitz/Travelocity.
Posted by
OP
Gainesville, Fl, USA
23 posts
TY Jen and Ellen....
Where do you buy travel insurance?
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
www.insuremytrip.com has all kinds of trip insurance and travel insurance.
Posted by
OP
Gainesville, Fl, USA
23 posts
Thanks Gela and Nancy!