What Is The Best Way to Buy Air Tickets Online?

oztite on 25/10/2019 - 16:55

Searching for some flights on Skyscanner and wondering what people's thoughts are on the online travel agents (e.g. Fly365, BYOjet, Skiddoo, DirectFlights, Mytrip, GotoGate etc.).

I used to find the cheapest price and then get Flight Centre to price match, but they no longer offer that. Are these sites trustworthy? When you google them there are lots of bad reviews with horrible stories like paid for the tickets and only to have them cancelled the day before travel etc. but I am wondering what fellow ozbargainers think?

Who do you usually go with?

Travel Airfare

Comments

  • 87percent on 25/10/2019 - 16:59
    +1

    Normally I check the aggregate sites, and then I take them to my travel agent and see if they can match the price. But you’re really only going to find horrible reviews for a lot of sites because people tend to not leave reviews for a good transaction

    • oztite on 25/10/2019 - 17:07

      exactly, so I don't know hot much to trust those reviews. My agent at Flight Centre used to match provided the online company has an ABN, but she no longer does that (new company policy).

    • bobbified on 25/10/2019 - 18:03

      … and then I take them to my travel agent and see if they can match the price.

      Why not just try and buy it from the airline directly if you can get the same price? It's a lot less hassle dealing with the airline themselves if you need to change your itinerary - especially if you're on the other side of the world in a completely differebt timezone. There'll also be no additional agency fees on top of the airline charges for the charges.

      • bluedufflecoat on 26/10/2019 - 09:57

        Singapore air has a price match guarantee as long as you claim it within 2 hours of booking a flight with them.

  • Dio on 25/10/2019 - 18:26
    +2

    I used to check prices from the comparison sites. Select one and get them directly from the airline. This way it is a bit expensive than other sites, but for sure not worth the hassle. Also if you want to change the flight for some reason it will be a nightmare with those agents.

  • robbyjones on 25/10/2019 - 18:28
    +1

    Most are reputable in that they are businesses however a lot of them are based overseas so you don't have the same legal protections you do from Australian businesses. Most of the negative experiences come from when you want to change the original booked flight

  • Antares on 25/10/2019 - 18:33
    +2

    I've used BYOJet numerous times, never had a problem.

    Also, Qantas offers price matching, as long as you're careful to do what they want.

    • Pumpkin_rrr on 26/10/2019 - 07:52

      I always wonder that
      How do you contact them?
      Have you used their sms before?.

    • oztite on 26/10/2019 - 16:33

      Thanks that's v good to know. Sounds like most ppl actually prefer booking from airline directly…

    • Froot Loops on 29/10/2019 - 00:25

      BYO were good in my books until my flights were cancelled and they gave me an alternative flight that was 40hrs longer. I got alot of assistance off the airline on how to deal with them, but in the end Lufthansa agree to refund me via BYO. It's 2 months later and BYO aren't releasing the funds. Booking direct with the airline is a much better option if the cost is only slightly higher. Also BYO is owned by flight centre. Take the BYO flight to them and get a price match. Flight centre atleast have customer support

  • [Deactivated] on 25/10/2019 - 19:40
    +5

    Direct with airline only.

    • oztite on 26/10/2019 - 16:32

      Do you ask the airline to price match?

      • Froot Loops on 29/10/2019 - 00:25

        Generally No. Some have cashback via the cashback apps that make the price about equal

  • phbk on 25/10/2019 - 19:52
    +1

    I search using ITA Matrix then book with the airlines direct. I don't trust some overseas agent to fix the problem if it all turns to custard and you need help.

    • oztite on 26/10/2019 - 16:33

      As in get airline to price match?

  • sitdowndisco on 28/10/2019 - 17:24

    Those online agencies are great when there are no changes required with your flights. I use them all the time and have only ever had one problem — when BestJet when bankrupt. In the end my flight was honoured, but many people lost thousands. My flight was with QANTAS and it was honoured, but most airlines shafted their customers because they claimed that they hadn't been paid by BestJet even though they had issued confirmed tickets.

    I guess if the discount is big enough, go with an agent… Just be aware that they aren't risk free.

  • Froot Loops on 29/10/2019 - 00:26

    I use skyscanner to find flights normally, but recently I save $600 by using https://iwantthatflight.com.au and searching for flights. I now use both

    • oztite on 29/10/2019 - 09:28
      +1

      Do you then go with the online sellers for the tickets? I also use Skyscanner but not sure how trustworthy the sites listed are - have you had any issues with them before? Thanks

    • oztite on 29/10/2019 - 09:29
      +1

      Do you then go with the online sellers for the tickets? I also use Skyscanner but not sure how trustworthy the sites listed are - have you had any issues with them before? Thanks

      • Froot Loops on 30/10/2019 - 20:31

        So skyscanner is like the google of air fares (so is Iwanthatflight). They don't sell tickets, they simple find the cheapest fare based on companies that pay a commission. I have recently had a nightmare experience with BYOjet and before that bestjet? (the one that went under last dec). I try to read reviews on the 3rd party companies and also check the prices for the airline direct. On an upcoming flight with virgin it was only $70 more to book on their website, so I paid the extra to get peace of mind (SYD-LHR). It's a gamble booking with a 3rd party, but sometimes they are 30-40% cheaper. You just need to work out if the risk is worth it. Also consider taking your cheap flight price to flightcentre. I know they price match sometimes and they have a good rep and good customer service. You could also call the airlines direct and see if they will match (most wont).

    • capslock janitor on 12/08/2022 - 14:55

      no sorting options on IWTF? like by dep. times

  • desparito on 29/10/2019 - 10:36

    I check for the prices on Skyscanner but would book directly with airline. Few of my friends had issues when booked through the 3rd party sites as most of these dont have a dedicated call center, should you make mistake while booking. If you have booked through these sites then calling airline is of no use as they would advise you to contact these sites directly.

    I wouldnt mind paying a bit extra for the peace of mind. Just my thoughts.

  • Ameowzon on 29/10/2019 - 23:09

    Hello, I’m about to book flights to the US. I used Skyscanner which helped me find good prices for Virgin via AuntBetty. I can’t find the same price on Virgin nor if I went straight to AuntBetty (for cashback with Cash Rewards). I had to go through Skyscanner. I’m fine with that, but read the above, I can price match in Flight Centre? Where else can I price match?

    Thoughts on the price below?
    2 adults, 1 child, 1 infant
    MEL to SFO
    JFK to MEL
    Multi-city
    $2900 for all

    Also, when using such sites (AuntBetty), can I accumulate Virgin points? Can I use Virgin points for upgrade?

    Thanks in advance!

    • Froot Loops on 30/10/2019 - 20:39

      1) ring virgin and ask if they can quote you. Sometimes calling can help and they have a different system. I have found $100-300 price differences on their website and calling them.
      2) Contact flightcentre. Doesn't hurt.
      3) Ask virgin re points, but I have had no issue. Not unless family pooling is setup your only get points for the member that is flying. Just make sure you provide your membership number when you book
      4) Your ticket would be locked with the travel agent. I find around half the time I cannot even pick my seats without paying the 3rd party (free if you booked on virgin australia, except some US flights with Virgin Atlantic). I think upgrades will be an issue, but something you can ask the velocity team

      Side note: also check what luggage the 3rd party offers and then what virgin offers. I got 60kg direct with virgin, where BYO only offered 32kg, with more with $$$

      Last note: Upgrades seem to depend on the type of ticket you buy. I have 1 leg as a getaway ticket and for some reason it says you cannot upgrade this ticket type.

      • Ameowzon on 31/10/2019 - 19:36
        +1

        Thanks for the tip. I called Virgin, and they too agreed that their prices are high. On the website, it was $3700. On the phone, they agreed to reduce it to $3200. AuntBetty is $2900. For the extra $300, I might just do it for the peace of mind.

        As for points, because the amount of points that I have can't purchase all 4 tickets, I need to make seperate bookings; one with just points, and the other with credit card.

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