Action Line: Tips for buying airline tickets online
| Friday, Oct 30 2009 10:50 AM
Last Updated Friday, Oct 30 2009 10:52 AM
Editor's note: Action Line is a weekly column from the Better Business Bureau answering consumers' questions and concerns about money and business issues.
Dear Action Line:
My daughter is getting married in New York in January and I want to book our tickets early to get great rates. I know how to use the Internet for e-mail, but I haven't done much researching on it. My husband and I rarely travel and when I started to look, there are so many ticket sites that it was overwhelming and confusing. Do you have any tips for buying airline tickets online?
Dear Reader:
Your airline travel can be fun, economical and made a lot easier with a little advance planning. There are way too many ins-and-outs of booking online travel tickets to fit into this column, but here are a few general tips to get you started.
You can search on one or more of the many low-fare Web sites that will allow you to comparison shop or bid for airfares online. But you should always be sure to check the airlines' own Web sites. Many airlines will offer special packages that are simply not offered on any other Web site, and even better discounts on tickets if you buy them directly from their Web site. And, there are even some "low-fare" airlines that only provide their ticketing services from their own Web site. On most airline Web sites, you can also register to receive weekly e-mail notification of newly announced special discounts on flights or travel packages.
Get your tickets early, since there may be a limited number of lower-priced seats. Many airlines require advance booking of at least two to four weeks to get the largest discounts. Be sure to check for any limitations or restrictions that may apply on an advanced booking should you need to change your plans.
Consider checking with the airline to see whether you can lower your airfare by flying on particular days of the week. The cost differences may be very significant.
When making online purchases, check the Web site's user agreement, security statement and privacy policy to find out how the company uses and protects the security of your credit card and other personal information. The site's policy statements should tell you clearly about whether your information is stored in the company's database, provide details about whether the information is ever shared with third parties or used for other purposes, explain how the information is kept secure, and specify "opt out" policies and instructions. If you do not want the company to retain or share financial data or other information about you, you will need to follow the site's procedures to "opt out." It is suggested that consumers conduct online transactions with Web sites that do provide such options about information use and that clearly explain their privacy and security policies.
As with all online purchases, no matter how professional looking the Web site, check the company's reliability with the Better Business Bureau before doing business with it, and be sure to use a secure browser if you are providing credit card or other personal information online.
Finally, don't overlook the valuable services of your local travel agent. Travel agents promote and sell transportation and related services including travel packages. They can be of assistance in planning your trip and often have knowledge of the area you wish to visit. Although the price you pay for your flight may be higher than what you would pay from an online site, a travel agent can provide personal assistance if something goes wrong with the tickets. If you are interested in staying over after the wedding to see New York, a travel agent might be your best bet for an economical, but fun, package that provides an extra vacation for you and your husband.
Vickie Sanders is assistant director of business services for the Better Business Bureau serving Central California. Send your consumer concerns, questions and problems to Action Line at the Better Business Bureau, 1601 H St., Suite 101, Bakersfield, CA 93301 or vickie@bbbcencal.org.
