Anyone used Priceline's 'Name Your Own Price' for airline tickets?

[FrustratedUser]

Really, how does it work?

Went to the web page and I type in date and from where to where I like to fly, fair enough.
Then you name the price you like to pay, cool so far.
Then you have to actually buy this ticket and pay.

What I don't get is, will I actually get a flight for that price or will I get a ticket if it exists and if not, I get a refund?

ANyone tried? Is it good and how does it work?

 

[DainBramaged]

Try here maybe? http://www.betterbidding.com/

 

[AnyMal]

I used it for hotels but I reckon it works the same. Basically, if they find a company (airline) that is willing to accept your offer they will purchase tickets automatically, hence why you have to provide CC data before submitting your offer.

 

[FrustratedUser]

OK I see that but if they don't find it, will I get the money back? The site doesn't really say....

 

[Agentbolt]

It searches right away. If it doesn't find you a ticket for your price, it suggests other alternative but won't charge you. As soon as it's done searching for 5 minutes or so and gives you an answer, you're done with them if you want, they won't charge you.

If they DO find a ticket for your price and your (very flexible) dates/locations, then you're charged automatically.

 

[Parasitic]

If this thing works then I would love to fly coast-to-coast for $99.

 

[KK]

Originally posted by: Parasitic
If this thing works then I would love to fly coast-to-coast for $99.

sure you could get that, miami to tampa.

 

[Parasitic]

Originally posted by: KK

Originally posted by: Parasitic
If this thing works then I would love to fly coast-to-coast for $99.

sure you could get that, miami to tampa.

New York to California

To be fair though I did pay only $99 for a one-way flight coast-to-coast on Southwest.

 

[FrustratedUser]

Originally posted by: Agentbolt
It searches right away. If it doesn't find you a ticket for your price, it suggests other alternative but won't charge you. As soon as it's done searching for 5 minutes or so and gives you an answer, you're done with them if you want, they won't charge you.

If they DO find a ticket for your price and your (very flexible) dates/locations, then you're charged automatically.

That sounds great. I thought you lost your money if they didn't find a ticket.

 

[daveshel]

I used it a few years back. I got a good deal but a horrible schedule.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Originally posted by: Parasitic

Originally posted by: KK

Originally posted by: Parasitic
If this thing works then I would love to fly coast-to-coast for $99.

sure you could get that, miami to tampa.

New York to California

To be fair though I did pay only $99 for a one-way flight coast-to-coast on Southwest.

SouthWest or Jet Blue may get you coast to coast for that price with well in advance purchase.

It did 3 years ago well under that number.


With respect to Priceline.

You specify the dates; you get what ever times they locate. It used to be the max stops was two.

However, all the rules are explained up front and there is no turning back if you do not like what is presented.

Any alterations must then go through Priceline, not the air carrier.

The non bid Priceline fares are worse than Expedia, Hotwire, etc.

 

[AUMM]

Originally posted by: FrustratedUser

Originally posted by: Agentbolt
It searches right away. If it doesn't find you a ticket for your price, it suggests other alternative but won't charge you. As soon as it's done searching for 5 minutes or so and gives you an answer, you're done with them if you want, they won't charge you.

If they DO find a ticket for your price and your (very flexible) dates/locations, then you're charged automatically.

That sounds great. I thought you lost your money if they didn't find a ticket.

haha that would be a great business

 

[Finalnight]

it used to give good deals a few years back, now they have heavily deemphasized it on their site/advertising. I haven't had a deal go through with them in 2 years.

 

[vailr]

Priceline can randomly route you through different "hub cities" on a round trip ticket.
Example: Indianapolis to Phoenix via Detroit; return trip Phoenix to Indianapolis via Memphis (on NWA)
Both Detroit and Memphis involving a change of plane.
Much better (non-stop) IND->PHX service available when using advance purchase "internet only" ticket on Southwest Airlines.
So: you might save $10 or $20 or $30 using Priceline, but it's really not worth the extra time and inconvenience.

 

[Dunbar]

Originally posted by: daveshel
I used it a few years back. I got a good deal but a horrible schedule.

This is what I would be afraid of redeye flights and/or long layovers. Plus, domestic airlines don't sell off blocks of seats at low prices like hotels do. So you're probably better off searching sites like Orbitz or Sidestep since Priceline is going to give you the same thing.