Everyone loves a bargain, especially when it comes to travel. The hottest competition for your travel dollar these days is offering cheap airline tickets, but how cheap are they really, and what are the risks?
There’s the old saying that you get what you pay for, and there’s some truth to this when it comes to cheap airfare. Not all tickets are the same, and neither are all ticket sellers. Before you hand over your credit card, know exactly what you’re getting (or not) for your money and who, exactly, you’re giving your money to.
The first decision is where to buy the ticket. Options include traditional travel agencies, the airlines themselves, and online agencies. Each has advantages and disadvantages.
The store’s travel agency is a good option for newbies or those who need a lot of help. They are great at handling everything related to your trip, with little effort on your part. Of course, this comes at a price, since no service is free. As always, shop around for the best price.
Most major airlines offer tickets directly to the public. Many have their own website where airline tickets can be purchased. Reservations can also be made by phone. Bargains are occasionally found this way, but usually airlines offer blocks of seats at a discounted price to resellers, who can then give them to you at a savings to the traveler.
The most popular option these days is to search for cheap airline tickets online, as this is where the real bargains are often found. The rule of thumb when shopping this way is “buyer beware.” There are many scammers on the net, and it is very easy to fall victim to them.
How to know who to trust? The easiest way to stay safe is to go to the well-known and trusted sites like Expedia. Others offer cheaper rates, but there are pitfalls in dealing with them. The Internet offers anonymity. It’s hard to know who you’re dealing with, if the product will ever be delivered, and if the supplier will still be around if you have problems after you make a purchase.
Wherever you decide to buy that cheap plane ticket, it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting.
Recently, a well-known storefront travel agency listed a rate of $79 for a flight to Orlando. It took a magnifying glass to read the fine print which revealed the total cost, including all taxes and fees, was close to $300! Some online agencies give the final price in advance, while with others you won’t know the total cost of the ticket until near the end of the booking process. When comparing prices, keep in mind exactly what you’re comparing.
What restrictions are there on that cheap ticket? Even within economy class, there are different fare codes that decide what is included and what is not. Online fares are electronic reservations and you may have to pay more if you need a paper ticket. Will I have to pay extra to check luggage? What flexibility does booking offer? Often the cheapest tickets do not allow changes or cancellations. If your plans change and you want to leave a day later, stay an extra day, or cancel your flight, you’re probably out of luck. Payment must be made in full at the time of booking, and changes will most likely not be possible after that.
If your flight is postponed, rerouted or cancelled, what arrangements will the airline make? Cheap tickets often don’t include benefits like meals, hotels, or arrangements with another airline. Under what circumstances will a full or partial refund be offered? If you have to pay full fare on another airline to get home on time, then that cheap ticket isn’t so great.
As always, the last word is research. Double check the supplier, carrier and all terms and conditions. It is possible to get really cheap airline tickets online, but make sure it is a bargain and suits your needs. Once the payment is made there is no change of mind.