Finding the Best Airline Fares

Never Rely on Only One Source

By Kent St. John

The biggest change you may have noticed occurring in the travel industry is the new travel agency fee. With the recent commission caps from the airlines, the fees are now a necessity. However, there are still several reasons why you may want to use a travel agent. If an agent has proved their worth in finding great fares for you, the fee may be well worth it. (Remember, many consolidators will work only with travel agencies.) A good agent notifies you when there is a drop in price, something you won’t get when you buy your ticket directly from an airline or a web site. Still another benefit is the agent’s ability to compare several sources for flights to your destination. The time you save by not having to listen to recorded instructions and check several airline web sites can be considerable.

Online Booking: The Internet is now the most rapidly growing method of shopping for airfares, particularly for domestic flights. This is not only an invaluable way to check what an approximate fare may be, many sites offer great destination guides and country advice. For this reason alone, I strongly recommend signing up for a free email address such as Hotmail before traveling abroad. With the explosion of Internet cafes worldwide, an email address can become a traveler’s connection for more than just news from home. After receiving emails from many traveling Transitions Abroad readers, I have forwarded them best fare sites for far less than the price of a call.

In fact, knowledge of the best web booking engines is becoming almost essential in finding low fares, even when you book with a travel agent. Select a site that offers fare tracking with email notification, ability to book online, reliability, and speed.

Be aware that larger airlines are buying into online booking sites, and this could affect the fares. So check several sites.

Another industry trend is for individual airlines to offer online booking. When I find a good fare from an agent or online booking agent, I call or check the web site of the airline. Some offer such bonuses as extra frequent flyer miles and low last-minute flights (but not much in the way of low international fares).

Online Bidding: Yet another trend is bidding for tickets online. The largest company is Priceline (www.priceline.com) who charges a fee. However, one company making a splash in the auction market, a New York consolidator named Magical Holidays, with a bidding website at www.skyauction.com, charges no fee to place a bid. It also has a student section and one for long overseas stays. You can base your bid on those already placed and the number of tickets available. The biggest benefit is that bids can be canceled by email if a better fare comes along. This site is presently unsurpassed for ticket bidding.

Air Passes: One of the best new developments in airfares lately is Europe by Air. With the cost of rail passes climbing, air passes can be an economical way to increase your range of travel, whether on a short visit to Europe or a long stay. The tickets are usable on at least 15 airlines flying to nearly 100 destinations, some as far away as Crete and Croatia. Each flight segment costs $99 and you must buy at least three. Reservations can be made before you leave or once you are in Europe. However, the tickets must be purchased before you leave.

This growing trend that will greatly benefit travelers to South America and Asia as well. If you are traveling to those areas it’s wise to check with an agent or an airline about air passes. Some offer inter-country packages that can only be purchased in the U.S.

Around-the-World Fares: Selecting the best around-the-world fare is by far the most difficult booking decision. Just deciding what direction to travel and what stops to make are mind numbing. This is one area where expert advice is essential. If you book through an agent, make sure you choose one that has had experience. If you use the Internet, by far the best site I know is a company called TicketPlanet.com. While the company has fixed itineraries, it specializes in pricing custom-planned travel. With the complexities of regulations, code shares, and schedules, it’s better to spend your time planning what you want to do at your stops.

Knowledge is indeed power in finding a great fare. “Do not to depend on one source” is the best rule. Even with a good agent it can’t hurt to check the Internet or call a consolidator. Checking with industry developments via business news or web sites will keep you current. One site in particular,Ticked.com, offers weekly columns on air issues. The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) will keep you up to date on agent issues. Remember, many fares change hourly, both up and down. Once you get a fare you are comfortable with, take it. It may not be there later.

KENT ST. JOHN is senior travel editor for www.GoNomad.com.