The Low Down on Low Fares
Jan 01 '01 (Updated Jan 07 '01)
Sure... you want to find the lowest fare!!! But ask yourself: "How much is your time worth?" You can spend hours searching the net for cheap fares (which may or may not be the 'cheapest' fare available) or you can engage in the NUMBER ONE RULE IN TRAVEL: Make a quick call to a travel agency and talk to a professional trained to find you the lowest fare in a matter of minutes.
How do travel agents do this?
1. Most agents attend school to learn the nuances of the industry and airline computer systems. That's right - school - and here you were trying to teach yourself on the net. Your best bet is to find an agent with at least two years experience and the right attitude... then you've won the lottery!
2. Most agencies have sophisticated airline computer systems. This allows the agent to compare all airlines that offer flights on the dates you want to travel and determine the lowest fare. Its fast and efficient and it means that you won't have to spend hours on the net surfing the different airline sites or on-line bucket shops (like Priceline)!
3. A good agent will often offer other options that may save you money. For example, they will often suggest alternate dates or nearby airports that can save you significant $$$. In addition, they have access to air consolidators or charter carriers that can offer you significant savings over the airlines regularly published fares. A computer program on the net won't consider these alternatives (only a human brain can 'think' on this level).
4. Lastly, because they are human, a travel agent will look at 'logical' options. For example, there may be a few low fare options to the same destination on the same date. Lets say that one of the options costs $190.00 but you have to make a connection (i.e. change planes) to get to your destination. There may be an alternative to fly nonstop but it will cost you a little more ($200.00? $250.00?). Most agents will let you know your options by quoting both and letting you choose. Personally, I'll take nonstop over a connection, even when it cost more! NOTE: When you purchase your tickets through the net bucket shops (Priceline, for example), you get whatever flights they come up with for the fare you were willing to pay - which may or may not include a reasonable schedule.
Keep in mind that in most cases, the agency will charge a small fee for their service; however, in most cases, it is well worth it!!! They will not only save you time and money, but they will make sure your seats are pre-assigned (whenever possible). Most will advise you of schedule changes that occur between the time of purchase and the time of travel. Some of the larger agencies include free flight insurance. Some will even contact you when the fare drops and offer you a refund or vouchers for the fare difference (depending on the airlines rules for such transactions). Lastly, if you need car and hotel reservations, most agencies will provide this service free of charge.
Before contacting an agent; you should be aware of a few basic rules for obtaining the lowest air fares. The least expensive fares usually require the following:
1. The airlines generally offer several coach fares on the same plane for the same coach seats. Once the least expensive seats are sold, then the next fare level is introduced. (Did you ever wonder why the guy next to you paid $100.00 less for his ticket? This is why - along with the reason noted in point #2 below).
2. Most discounted fares require that you book anywhere from 7 to 30 days ahead of your travel date. However, calling the required number of days ahead doesn't guarantee the fare is available (as noted in point #1, once the lowest fare is sold, it jumps to the next level). Therefore, in most cases, the further ahead you book, the greater your chances of finding the discounted seats. FYI: Most airlines offer schedules up to 11 months in the future.
3. Most discounted fares require a Saturday night stay. Some offer additional discounts for travel on certain days of the week. For example, domestic travel in some markets is less expensive if you travel on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday each direction. International travel is usually less expensive if you travel Monday through Thursday.
4. The discounted rates are usually nonrefundable and nontransferable once purchased. The term 'nonrefundable' means that if you cancel and don't rebook, you lose your investment. The term 'nontransferable' means that you cannot change the name of the traveler and you cannot change airlines. However, most airlines will allow you to exchange your tickets for different dates up to one year from the date the ticket was purchased. Most airlines charge a $75.00 change fee plus any difference in the fare (on international tickets, the fee is usually $150.00 plus any difference in the fare). NOTE: Tickets purchased through most of the bucket shops on the net (Priceline, for example) are nonrefundable - period. No date change, no nothing (double negative intended - pun)!
AN EXCEPTION TO THE RULE: OK... there is 'never' an 'always' in travel. In most cases your local travel agent can meet or beat internet pricing; however, when it comes to last minute reservations, there are exceptions. On occasion, airlines may offer fares that are only available if you book on the net. This is more common for international fares. Generally speaking, if you are traveling in 7 days or less, first call your agent and get a quote; then, by all means, check the net.
Take the hassle out of making your travel arrangements: Leave it to the travel professional. WISHING YOU MANY HAPPY TRAVELS AHEAD!
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