Greetings!
This year I have noticed that published air
has been very competitive with our bulk air,
especially if you make reservations within
four months of travel. Because it is our goal
to teach our clients how to be savvy
travelers here are a few guidelines when
purchasing published air.
As always I think it is best to use a travel
expert, this is what we do day in and day
out. But because there are no commissions
paid for published air all agencies charge a
service fee. However, after you take into
consideration the amount of time you WILL
spend on research, the extra fee paid to
travel agencies will be minimal. And then
what happens if you need help because you
have to make a change or cancel - you will be
on your own!
If you prefer to do some upfront research
check out online sites such as Orbitz,
Expedia, Travelocity and Priceline. From here
you can find your perfect flight and then
what you must do is go directly to that
airlines website and book the fare here or
have your travel agent do it for you. And
remember just because you see the fare
doesn't mean it is available until your
credit card is processed!
I must reiterate that you should NEVER
reserve anything through the online booking
sites mentioned above. It takes one
cancellation or change in plans to understand
why - you will pay dearly. When you book
through a travel agent or with the airline
directly the only fee you will pay for is a
change ticket fee and this is charged
directly by the airline when you change your
flight.
Remember, published air is nonrefundable,
which means you have a ticket that is good
for one year from the date of issuance.
Should you not use it before then it will be
void, and should you use it before then you
will have to pay the change ticket fee
directly to the airline.
If at all possible it is best to purchase
bulk air, but given the fact that many
travelers are booking last minute travel,
published air is becoming a more popular way
to secure air tickets.
Remember, our goal is to make you, our valued
clients, savvy travelers. If you have any
questions please don't hesitate to contact us
- we are just a call away!
