Orbitz or Expedia experiences

I hope this question is acceptable on this board. I am looking to book flights to Europe this coming summer. I have never bought a ticket on Orbitz or Expedia. So far their rates for my flights are very good.

Does anyone out there have any experience buying your tickets from these two internet agencies. Are there certain things that I should be aware of before plunking down my money.

Thanks very much.

The question is fine. It's been my experience that, PROVIDED there are no problems, then it's not a problem. If there is a problem, then there is a problem.... Prices can be better, but if something gets screwed up, customer service can be a big problem. Everyone hands off the issue to someone else...

Ken,

Also take a look at Kayak, but keep in mind almost ALWAYS the air carrier, just like hotel sites, give the best rate and you have someone to call. Having said that you can bump into great trips on third party sites. If you are willing to play games, and Kayak is good for that, try for example flying into point A and then flying out of point B.

Sometimes that type itinerary can offer some great savings. I do not know the trip you have planned, but be flexible and you can save a bunch. We are leaving for Europe in a couple days and I used frequent flyer miles so that does not count, but our friends got roundtrip from DC to Switzerland on the way and return from Amsterdam to DC for around $600. That is a good price. Just play the game - you can win.

Thanks. My wife and I are planning to travel this May/June from JFK to London-LHR and return from Paris-CDG to JFK. Orbitz is quoting approximately #1137 round trip for the two of us. Sounds very good. Otherwise, we would use Aer Lingus for slightly less, but have to connect through Dublin.

Ken... There are advantages to us 'Aliens' in going the Dublin route as we get to clear US C&I in Dublin which is much nicer than at the end of a long, usually uncomfortable, flight. Probably less of an issue for US citizens but, if you have time, Dublin is a great place for an overnight stop.

Look but don't book on third-party sites. As Tom B said kayak is particularly good for searching Multi cities and open jaws. But again don't book. (they are owned by Priceline)

If there is a problem with the reservations booked by third parties the Airlines or Hotels will always defer to the third-party. Much better to deal direct. Also, the days of roundtrips being less expensive than two one ways no longer apply universally as it used to.

Use third-party sites to search, but book direct. IMHO

I just had a positive experience with Expedia in regards to airfare, for what it's worth. AA added a stop over and a 2 hr. change to SXM and i went alright. Then they added a stop over for the return flight with my connector flight leaving 5 hours before i arrive. I called Expedia, and although it took some phone time, they where very professional and nice and refunded my flights. Now i'm starting with a clean slate.

Thanks all

Expedia and Orbitz suggested prices as low as $1100 round trip for my wife and myself. I then checked American Airlines and found the same low price. Now we're booked from JFK nonstop to London on British Air and returning CDG-JFK on American Air. The two R/t tickets cost a total of $1136 which I think is a bargain.

By the way, while we are in England, we will be visiting with our good friend Mair Pattersun. She is the artist who has painted and sold many works of art relative to Club O and French SXM.

Thanks for your comments. We are set for this year - at least for airfare.

Glad you scored a great fare. I also booked with AA and found a better price than Expedia for the flight times i wanted! Does your Friend that paints have a web site? Hope you have a great trip!

Glad you were able to get a good deal, going directly with the airline. That is always the best way to go, if you can. Generally you can find the same deal directly with the airline, or better.

Enjoy your trip!

Glad you have your flights booked!

Is Mair the lady who used to sell her paintings on the beach by Papagayo?

Yes she is. Her name is Mair Pattersun. You can Google her links by writing in: "Mair Pattersun - Artist"

Yes. Her namje is Mair Pattersun. You can Google her at "Main Pattersun - artist". She resides in Totnes, England on the soutrhwestsectorr of England.