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My friends had a horror story with tickets they booked on Expedia going to and from Sweden. Their connection in London got rescheduled so they did not have enough time between flights and Expedia never informed them. Then the airline charged them a new ticket fee to get on a later flight, since they missed the connection. They tried to fight with Expedia to get them to refund them the new ticket fee since Expedia failed to email them and tell them about the flight time change and Expedia refused. If they had booked the tickets directly with the airline they could have gotten that ticket fee waived. The airlines are also MUCH better about keeping you informed of changes like that immediately after they happen.
Aside from all that, I've found that Expedia rarely beats buying from the airline directly and most airlines have a price fare guarantee. If you find a lower price on Expedia, take a screenshot and call the airline's booking number. But keep in mind airfares are only good basically as soon as you find it. If you find a good deal today and wait until tomorrow to contact the airline, tough luck if the fare has risen since then.
My friends had a horror story with tickets they booked on Expedia going to and from Sweden. Their connection in London got rescheduled so they did not have enough time between flights and Expedia never informed them. Then the airline charged them a new ticket fee to get on a later flight, since they missed the connection. They tried to fight with Expedia to get them to refund them the new ticket fee since Expedia failed to email them and tell them about the flight time change and Expedia refused. If they had booked the tickets directly with the airline they could have gotten that ticket fee waived. The airlines are also MUCH better about keeping you informed of changes like that immediately after they happen.
Aside from all that, I've found that Expedia rarely beats buying from the airline directly and most airlines have a price fare guarantee. If you find a lower price on Expedia, take a screenshot and call the airline's booking number. But keep in mind airfares are only good basically as soon as you find it. If you find a good deal today and wait until tomorrow to contact the airline, tough luck if the fare has risen since then.
Excellent advice all around. Can't give you rep points, eva, but I would if I could. (Evidently, I've given you too many!)
I generally will use Orbitz or Travelocity to do a general search, but then go to the airline's own website to book.
In terms of day-of travel, all bookings should be treated equally. In the event of a delay or cancellation on the day of travel, the airline rep should treat you the same as someone who booked through their direct website.
Where it might help is in the event of schedule changes (by you or the airline) or a complete cancellation of the trip (by you) prior to the day of departure...easier without a middleman.
i've booked Expedia for international travel for my parents, couple of times for self, and once for a friend.
Like all airfares - you have 1 business day to cancel any booked flights.
If Expedia charges you more than anyone else, including the airline, you can have them price match the diff and they also give you a free $50 hotel room credit.
I did not have any problems with Expedia, but I choose my connection times with ample time in between when booking for parents and others.
I did have to change a trips date and Expedia worked diligently with me on it.
I would not hesitate to continue to purchase from Expedia.
I did purchase from Orbitz once as well, but canceled within 30 days as I changed my travel date.
Also, kayak.com is a good site to find the cheap rates, and you can go and book with whoever (Expedia, Orbitz, airline). Kayak shows which website has which fare. Nice grid view if you're looking for flexible dates for international even (most sites have it for domestic only).
i've booked Expedia for international travel for my parents, couple of times for self, and once for a friend.
Like all airfares - you have 1 business day to cancel any booked flights.
If Expedia charges you more than anyone else, including the airline, you can have them price match the diff and they also give you a free $50 hotel room credit.
I did not have any problems with Expedia, but I choose my connection times with ample time in between when booking for parents and others.
I did have to change a trips date and Expedia worked diligently with me on it.
I would not hesitate to continue to purchase from Expedia.
I did purchase from Orbitz once as well, but canceled within 30 days as I changed my travel date.
Also, kayak.com is a good site to find the cheap rates, and you can go and book with whoever (Expedia, Orbitz, airline). Kayak shows which website has which fare. Nice grid view if you're looking for flexible dates for international even (most sites have it for domestic only).
Choosing ample connection times won't help when your flight is cancelled or significantly delayed--like my last international flight was. Over six hours.
I book directly with my carrier. They send me text messages to give me flight updates. I've got more hotel points for free rooms than I'll use in my lifetimes. I'm using two weeks worth this summer and still have enough for two more weeks.
Location: The Chatterdome in La La Land, CaliFUNia
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I use Expedia as a research tool and find the reviews helpful. When it comes to booking, I book directly with the airline as they are more likely to help you if there's any changes need to be made to your reservations. Also, bear in mind that not all airlines are represented in Expedia (or other third party sites) so you might not even get the best fare.
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