Comments on: The low airfare that vanishes in a click

By: Frank

Frank — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:27:24 +0000

Vacationagent March 9, 2010 at 1:10 pm
He who hesitates…
—————————————————————–

exactly! It’s been many years since I was “working the phones” with Travel Agents, but I have to tell you, many were “smart cookies” and just knew when they were getting a good fare. They didnt say, “i’ll get back to you.” They knew from experience and didnt………….hestiate.

By: Janice Hough

Janice Hough — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:04:15 +0000

Ditto a couple of the above comments, most agents, including anyone who wants to stay in business, will ALWAYS quote a total. Sometimes depending on the client I even quote including our service fee.

The base fare quote almost always either comes from an online agent or the airline’s site. I lose track of how often someone will ask if I can match a fare they have found, when I KNOW the total is wrong. And sure enough, go to the site and it shows a total fare “plus taxes and surcharges.” And airline sites also love to say “from blank amount” (not pointing out that the ‘from” fare might be on a redeye out and a 600a return.)

By: John M

John M — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:33:26 +0000

I don’t know of any travel agent will quote only a fare and not include a disclaimer such as, “not including taxes and surcharges” and/or “fares are not guaranteed until the ticket is issued”.

According to the International Air Transportation Assoc., in 2005, US airlines changed fares over a million times a month. I promise you, it has only gotten worse since then.

By: Vacationagent

Vacationagent — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:10:50 +0000

I’m never in favor of over-paying for airline tickets but I think one should also exercise some common sense, too. Airfares like those mentioned in the article – $130 Atlanta to San Francisco and $114 Orlando to Las Vegas – are almost too good to be true. Why would someone with a need for those tickets/reservations hesitate to purchase? I’m incredulous that someone would check Orbitz/Kayak for a cheaper deal on that kind of pricing! A 15 percent savings would be less than $20! He who hesitates…

By: Bodega

Bodega — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:44:39 +0000

Here’s where well-meaning travel agents and I differ on airfare quotes. Many agents believe that it’s perfectly acceptable to offer you a base fare, minus all the extras, when you’re shopping around. The grand total is often disclosed in small type and then revealed in a more overt way just as you’re getting ready to pay. They have their reasons for making the prices seem artificially low — high fares are a turn-off for their customers and even a few extra dollars can make a traveler run to a competitor.
*************************************************************
I am not sure who the ‘well meaning travel agents’ are that you addressing in a shy negative way. If it is the online companies, they don’t do things the way brick and mortar style consultants work. If you call your travel consultant who you use regularly, you would get a full price. But if you are calling or using an online company just to shop, you get what you pay for.

When you call an Travel Consultant for a fare, we have to put in your departure date, city paris and carrier code if you want a specific carrier. What we see are fares, not taxes. You asked for a fare. If you want a complete ticket price, that is different. We have to sell each flight to get you the complete price. Depending on the routing will make a different in the total price. Know what you are asking for. We aren’t mind readers. Plus blame the airlines, don’t blame those who are selling their products. We are as frustrated with their product as you are!

As for pricing, I have been in the middle of issuing a ticket and have had the fare change. The airlines change their fares several times a day and no fare is guaranteed until ticketed. What you found 5 minutes ago many not be the price now. Prices are also based on availability. You need 4 seats but only 2 are left in that price, we can make two reservations because we see the inventory, so you can get the lower price for 2 of your traveling companions if those are the flights you have to have. Online you can’t get that information.

By: Marge

Marge — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:45:34 +0000

The low airfare that vanishes is nothing new. It’s been around forever. One just rolls the dice. Almost always I have simply waited a day or two (or week) and usually can find the original “lower fare”. I do agree that buying fast works, especially if your travel plans are firm.

Tanya – don’t ever book with a third party. Book directly with the supplier or a reputable travel professional.

By: bradyates products.net | Brad Yates Products

bradyates products.net | Brad Yates Products — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:38:22 +0000

[...] The low airfare that vanishes in a click [...]

By: Frank

Frank — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:10:22 +0000

I can see the skeptical customers’ point. A few weeks ago, I booked a flight from Orlando to Las Vegas. I found a $114 one-way fare on the Southwest Airlines site, scrolled away to make sure Kayak.com couldn’t do better (it couldn’t) and then tried to buy the ticket.
“New Price,” the site announced in annoying red letters. The same ticket now cost $234.
I felt frustrated. If I had been notified that there was only one seat left at $114, I might have booked faster instead of taking my time. Hasn’t technology evolved to a point where you can show a passenger the seat inventory in real time, I wondered?
===================================================

Isnt this simply the result of YOU trying to “play” Travel Agent? Seat inventory and Fares can and DO CHANGE constantly. Just ask a Travel Agent……..::::smile::::

By: Tanya

Tanya — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:19:47 +0000

I just want everyone to know Priceline is a ripeoff. They take your money and you don’t get the service you were promised. I tried to rent a car yesterday & couldn’t after Priceline took the money. It wouldn’t had been so bad if Hazel, one of the people answering the phone wasn’t so nasty. I tried to tell her that I needed the car to go out of town because my mother in law died. She said too. bad for you should had read the fine print. Should we say f*** you if the car rental place doesn’t rent you a car? So I hope everyone is aware that Priceline are frauds.