So normally, I ONLY buy airfare directly through an airline. But we're doing open jaw into Prague and out of Dubrovnik, and the only airlines I can find who will do that itinerary are AA, United/Lufthansa and Continental. And their airfare is not the cheapest. Although they have price guarantees, it's only on EXACT itineraries. And I can't seem to find the exact same itinerary between them and the discount sites especially because many of the itineraries use two different airlines. I'm having the most luck through discount websites. Namely, Vayama. BUT, I read a bunch of less than nice things about Vayama on one of Tripadvisor's forums. Anyhow, I'm tracking the airfare on cheaptickets, expedia, orbitz, cheapoair, vayama, priceline. I'd like some more ideas from people who have successfully gotten a discount airfare. SO, to my question: If you use/have used discount websites, please tell me your favorites!
Posted by
OP
Clarksville, TN, USA
959 posts
Yes, out of and back to Nashville. My itinerary is: Nashville to Prague and then Dubrovnik to Nashville.
Just curious what websites other people were using if they weren't the ones that I already knew about. There are probably hundreds or thousands, but I wanted some suggestions from people who had successfully used them. Lynette, your answer was exactly what I was going for. When I get home from work, I'll fool around with that site. Thanks!
Posted by
OP
Clarksville, TN, USA
959 posts
PS -- I use Kayak daily, too, but they don't price all of the above websites. Vayama isn't on there. I also tried Yapta which seems to be identical to Kayak...
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
It is a misnomer to call these websites "discounters." They are search engines. Their usefulness lies in the fact that they search a large number of airlines for you, saving you time and hopefully finding you the best price out there. Several of these sites are search engines of other travel search engines. The only "discounts" they offer are when you book packages through them, such as flight + hotel or flight + rental car. And often you can find better deals yourself. A lot of travelers on this board use the travel search engines to find the best price, then book directly with the particular airline.
Posted by
OP
Clarksville, TN, USA
959 posts
Okay, semantics aside. I explained why booking directly in this case may not work for me. So if everyone could tell me what their favorite travel website is for airfare.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Your statement/question is confusing hard to understand what you are trying to achieve??? ...... into Prague and out of Dubrovnik......... but from where to where. Are flying from TN to Prague and home from Dubrovnik? In that case you cannot use European discount airline 'cause they don't fly internationally. A little clarity, please.
Posted by
PDX, OR, USA
9 posts
Try hipmunk.com, they've given me the best price for my trip with the best options. It's a search engine only, directs me back to orbitz to purchase. The best connections and flight times came up on hipmunk, couldn't get them on orbiz (or expedia, itasoftware, travelocity) myself.
Using their itinerary information I tried AirFrance's website and the price is $300 more. I'm probably going to book through orbitz, though, like you, I prefer to book through the airline.