Am I nuts or all all the online search engines doing this: I go to look for flight info and pricing on one of the dozen travel search engines that I have either used before and find a price/itinerary that I think is acceptable. I start booking the flight (within a matter of minutes) and by the time I get the inbound and outbound itinerary set, I see the price has changed.
This would be my 5th time travelling to Europe (the mose recent time being late 2007) and I've never had as much trouble finding a decent fare or having the price change on me while i was trying to book a flight. What gives? Am I the only one seeing this happen? Any suggestions other than calling up an airline directly. I'm already resigned to the fact that the trip is going to cost me more than the last time, but to have it increasing while I am booking????
Posted by
Reeds Spring, Missouri, USA
120 posts
Use these sites to get an idea of the prices, but book directly with the airline. Too many of these search engines low-ball you with prices that may not include all taxes and fees while using the disclaimer that prices are not guaranteed until booked. Remember, the airlines set the prices regardless of where the booking comes from.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
The game is played by the airlines. The sites are not low balling. They are showing what the airline gives them. And the airlines will give a few low fares that are quick taken which is why it changes before you lock it up. You just have to be lucky and work quick. And sometimes that low fare is based on odd routing which quickly changes if you don't accept that routing. That is just the nature of the game today.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
Prices are constantly changing. It's not at all unusual to spot a good deal and have it all snapped up within a short time. I have a somewhat fatalistic approach. I just sigh and say, "I guess it wasn't meant to be." Then keep looking for the deal I will book.
Posted by
Northwest Illinois, USA, IL
11 posts
I typically go to booking websites, get an idea of what costs to go where and who the airline is, then I go directly to that airline and buy there. I never buy from booking sites, they tend to charge fees that airlines dont.
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
I have found that each time I try to use AOL travel that is what happens. I try to use that to get an idea and if there is an incredible price I will try and book it, and then when it doubles while I am booking it, I give up.Then, I go directly to the airline I really want to travel with. Very rarely does the price ever change while I am in the midst of booking if I am on the Delta or American site.