Buying a plane ticket

[nater]

So I'm studying at the University of Akureyri in Iceland for the fall semester of my junior year in college. I have been waiting to get a plane ticket because I have had numerous problems applying and obtaining a residence permit.

I've looked at several sites and it appears that a one-way ticket from Indianpolis to Reykjavik will cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $1300-$1400. I talked to Icelaandair on the phone today and was told that I could buy a ticket now at that price or wait until 72 hours before my departure date (Aug. 19 or 20) and get a ticket for $650 (if there's still one available).

What should I do? Anyone been in this situation before?

 

[tami]

my parents are there now. they took a boat.

 

Can you buy a refundable ticket now and get your money back if there are seats available in August?

 

[Siva]

Originally posted by: tami
my parents are there now. they took a boat.

He could go even cheaper and swim

 

[nater]

Originally posted by: jumpr
Can you buy a refundable ticket now and get your money back if there are seats available in August?

refundable tickets are at least a few hundred more, and sometimes have stringent stipulations

 

[intogamer]

Originally posted by: jumpr
Can you buy a refundable ticket now and get your money back if there are seats available in August?

:thumbsup:

 

[alkemyst]

yes and you have to do research making sure they know you didn't just miss your flight and try to 'upgrade you'.

Regardless if the high 3 figure savings doesn't matter just buy the tried and true way.

I shop though and save hundreds to thousands a month depending on the purchases.

To me that is a benefit and I have never been beyond the same day I was supposed to land on my flights, but those paying full price were in my same boat anyway.

 

[nater]

Originally posted by: alkemyst
yes and you have to do research making sure they know you didn't just miss your flight and try to 'upgrade you'.

Regardless if the high 3 figure savings doesn't matter just buy the tried and true way.

I shop though and save hundreds to thousands a month depending on the purchases.

To me that is a benefit and I have never been beyond the same day I was supposed to land on my flights, but those paying full price were in my same boat anyway.

is there a certain place you would recommend I look for tickets? Or just shop around? I know there are a number of sites and I have tried 4-5 of them. I've gotten about the same results every time

 

[silverpig]

How about a different route? Like drive to NY, then NY to London, London to Iceland.

 

[nater]

Originally posted by: silverpig
How about a different route? Like drive to NY, then NY to London, London to Iceland.

Driving to NY from Indiana isn't really any option.

 

[spidey07]

I've taken standby many times with much success.

Wait by the gate. But then again this is an intl flight so I'm sure it is different.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: nater

Originally posted by: alkemyst
yes and you have to do research making sure they know you didn't just miss your flight and try to 'upgrade you'.

Regardless if the high 3 figure savings doesn't matter just buy the tried and true way.

I shop though and save hundreds to thousands a month depending on the purchases.

To me that is a benefit and I have never been beyond the same day I was supposed to land on my flights, but those paying full price were in my same boat anyway.

is there a certain place you would recommend I look for tickets? Or just shop around? I know there are a number of sites and I have tried 4-5 of them. I've gotten about the same results every time

this is where actually talking to an agent is better than the internet, they know the ins and outs and can check for you.

many times People > Intarweb.

 

[malbojah]

Take a Southwest flight to Boston, then take Iceland Air to Reykjavik. They have a special going on during that period for flights out of Boston for $515 link

 

[EagleKeeper]

Originally posted by: malbojah
Take a Southwest flight to Boston, then take Iceland Air to Reykjavik. They have a special going on during that period for flights out of Boston for $515 link

SouthWest does not fly into Boston. He will have to land in Providence or Manchester (both 1 hr drive withouit traffic).

Look at flying out of O'Hare or taking some other flight into a major city on the east coast and connecting.

As malbojah stated, you may be able to get better fares if you build your own connections, however, make sure that the arrival airport is the same as the departing airport (not just the same city).

 

[granolagirl]

One thing to consider when buying a plane ticket is the airline's policy about price changes. Some airlines, like Northwest, will refund the difference to you in the form of a credit voucher valid for a year if the cost of the exact same flight goes down. Some airlines will charge you for doing this (e.g. a $50 transaction fee), but some don't.

just f.y.i.

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: EagleKeeper

Originally posted by: malbojah
Take a Southwest flight to Boston, then take Iceland Air to Reykjavik. They have a special going on during that period for flights out of Boston for $515 link

SouthWest does not fly into Boston. He will have to land in Providence or Manchester (both 1 hr drive withouit traffic).

Look at flying out of O'Hare or taking some other flight into a major city on the east coast and connecting.

As malbojah stated, you may be able to get better fares if you build your own connections, however, make sure that the arrival airport is the same as the departing airport (not just the same city).

yea but there are 2 aters that live on the way from manchester to boston, Insane3D and myself, i wouldent have an issue helping shuttle him in here to help save his ass 1000$