Is there something secret about flights made via Orbitz?

[2Xtreme21]

I'm looking up prices of flights to Paris from Pittsburgh for this summer and, while they're still expensive, I'm getting prices of ~$750 from Orbitz, while others are giving me "super hot discounted student prices" of ~$1200. I don't think they're hiding taxes and other fees because Orbitz will originally list the price as $500 and then say +$250 in taxes, for example. But is this just too good to be true or is Orbitz that much better?

Also, is flying into Europe easier and less expensive via a certain city as opposed to another? I checked prices to London instead of Paris and it was cheaper, though I'm not sure how easy it would be to get to Paris then (although Europe does have very discounted airlines). Any tips from anyone who's done it before?

 

[MercenaryForHire]

See Maddox's article on why he hates Orbitz.

- M4H

 

[RichardE]

No idea how it works. It's odd really. Cheaptickets, Orbitz and Travelocity all gave me prices for Detroit to SD at around 600-800. I went to the NWA site directly and got a ticket for 285$. Even though all those sites had scanned NWA when I did a search.

 

[2Xtreme21]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
See Maddox's article on why he hates Orbitz.

- M4H

Well it's routing me through Newark and flying me there too, so I don't think I'm gonna have too much trouble walking from one gate in the airport to another.

 

[toekramp]

sidestep FTW

 

[SSSnail]

This is what you do:

1. Look prices up on Orbitz.
2. Call your AMEX travel representative
3. Tell them the flights you want to take, AND the prices
4. ...
5. Profits

 

[Cristatus]

If you book early enough you can get some nice discounts on the low cost carriers but the problem would be that you will probably travel from another, smaller airport. If you don't mind spending maybe a whole day getting out of the major airport, and then into a [relatively] minor airport then it may be worth it, but it's probably worth it traveling the route you're taking right now.

Originally posted by: SSSnail
This is what you do:

1. Look prices up on Orbitz.
2. Call your AMEX travel representative
3. Tell them the flights you want to take, AND the prices
4. ...
5. Profits

Can any AMEX card holder do that? And only in the US? Cos then I think everyone with an AMEX would do it.

 

[sygyzy]

Wait, you guys don't understand how Orbitz, Expedia, and Priceline work?

 

[Uppsala9496]

Check out the following websites:
Fare Compare
ITA Software - great for checking multiple dates

I always book direct with the airline since the tickets are always cheaper.

 

[SSSnail]

Originally posted by: logic1485
If you book early enough you can get some nice discounts on the low cost carriers but the problem would be that you will probably travel from another, smaller airport. If you don't mind spending maybe a whole day getting out of the major airport, and then into a [relatively] minor airport then it may be worth it, but it's probably worth it traveling the route you're taking right now.

Originally posted by: SSSnail
This is what you do:

1. Look prices up on Orbitz.
2. Call your AMEX travel representative
3. Tell them the flights you want to take, AND the prices
4. ...
5. Profits

Can any AMEX card holder do that? And only in the US? Cos then I think everyone with an AMEX would do it.

As with anything AMEX, you have to pay for it. But, it has its rewards. Very convenience when you want to change flights configure a path or most effective routes, and often time, they'll figure out the best for you as well.

They also have direct numbers to all airlines and rental places and such, so if you have questions about anything, usually they'll figure out for you. :thumbsup:

 

[2Xtreme21]

Originally posted by: Uppsala9496
Check out the following websites:
Fare Compare
ITA Software - great for checking multiple dates

I always book direct with the airline since the tickets are always cheaper.

Your first site lists outstanding prices, although my trip is longer than 30 days.

You also said it's always cheaper to book with the airline directly... is that always true? The cheap flight on Orbitz routes me through 2 airlines... US Airways (PIT -> Newark) and Air India (Newark -> Paris). Should I try to contact US Airways AND Air India in that case? Or look for some carrier that will fly directly from PIT to Paris (which I'm sure will be hella expensive, since few international flights leave Pittsburgh)?

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: 2Xtreme21

Originally posted by: Uppsala9496
Check out the following websites:
Fare Compare
ITA Software - great for checking multiple dates

I always book direct with the airline since the tickets are always cheaper.

Your first site lists outstanding prices, although my trip is longer than 30 days.

You also said it's always cheaper to book with the airline directly... is that always true? The cheap flight on Orbitz routes me through 2 airlines... US Airways (PIT -> Newark) and Air India (Newark -> Paris). Should I try to contact US Airways AND Air India in that case? Or look for some carrier that will fly directly from PIT to Paris (which I'm sure will be hella expensive, since few international flights leave Pittsburgh)?

There is no set in stone rule for fares. Travel agents, airline websites, and travel sites have all been cheaper than the others at one time.

 

[SSSnail]

Originally posted by: 2Xtreme21

Originally posted by: Uppsala9496
Check out the following websites:
Fare Compare
ITA Software - great for checking multiple dates

I always book direct with the airline since the tickets are always cheaper.

Your first site lists outstanding prices, although my trip is longer than 30 days.

You also said it's always cheaper to book with the airline directly... is that always true? The cheap flight on Orbitz routes me through 2 airlines... US Airways (PIT -> Newark) and Air India (Newark -> Paris). Should I try to contact US Airways AND Air India in that case? Or look for some carrier that will fly directly from PIT to Paris (which I'm sure will be hella expensive, since few international flights leave Pittsburgh)?

Dude, your best bet is to fly to a larger international airport and fly out from there (JFK, etc... It's much cheaper and you'll find direct flights.

 

[Parasitic]

Watch out - I once got a recurring $9/mo charge from either Orbitz or Travelocity on my credit card that was pretty annoying to cancel...some sort of "travel reservation rewards program" which was pure BS.

This is why I no longer book tickets from them. I'll stick to the travel agent our family uses, Southwest.com, or United.com.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: sygyzy
Wait, you guys don't understand how Orbitz, Expedia, and Priceline work?

well, for priceline, mr. shatner goes to te companies and flirts with the female employees to get you those lower prices.

 

[bobdelt]

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: sygyzy
Wait, you guys don't understand how Orbitz, Expedia, and Priceline work?

well, for priceline, mr. shatner goes to te companies and flirts with the female employees to get you those lower prices.

and travelocity has that pesky little garden gnome ensuring we all get the best fare