Is booking air ticket online recommended as against going to a travel agency?
Discount flights
wanderer asked:
Has anyone booked Lufthansa air tickets online? Do they offer the same rates as travel agents? Are the rates quoted inclusive of whatever taxes that is applicable to those departing from the Philippines? I’ve never purchased a ticket online so I don’t know what to expect and most is if we will encounter any problems at the Philippine airport. What sort of ticket will they issue? Thanks for any information you may provide.
Kansieo.com
Has anyone booked Lufthansa air tickets online? Do they offer the same rates as travel agents? Are the rates quoted inclusive of whatever taxes that is applicable to those departing from the Philippines? I’ve never purchased a ticket online so I don’t know what to expect and most is if we will encounter any problems at the Philippine airport. What sort of ticket will they issue? Thanks for any information you may provide.
Kansieo.com
February 17th, 2009 at 12:34 am
air ticket
Sometimes better rates. I’ve booked with Lufthansa, and about 6-8 other airlines. It always turns out fine for me.
check for some good prices.
February 17th, 2009 at 6:05 am
I have bought tickets from Manila to Europe via http://www.lufthansa.com in the past. The fares are usually very competitive compared to travel agencies. The fare quote includes fare and taxes (all-in), and this will be displayed before you are required to make a purchase. Whenever i have questions, i call the Lufthansa Service Team to ask for clarification on the fare rules, etc. Hope this helps.
February 17th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Create a video blog…instantly.
Some airlines are cheaper if you book ahead of time on their online services…remember travel agencies make a commission.
It’s also safer..because your credit card is not charged untill you arrive to pick up your ticket…it’s a nice safeguard if something changes your plans.
February 19th, 2009 at 1:08 am
Caffeinated Content
Booking tickets online can be cheaper than going through a travel agency. But I would not recommend you book directly at the airlines websites as they rarely have the best deal.
The main disadvantage of booking online is that the airfare rules are not always easy to understand, and they are rarely in layman terms. When booking through a travel agency, the agent can always explain the rules in a way that you can understand. The more complicated the travel plans, the more confusing the rules can be.
Online booking sites will also rarely tell you what the entry requirements are for the destination you are travelling to, if it is overseas. Travel agencies have a legal obligation to advise you of passport and visa requirements. When you book online, you are responsible for any additional research. That’s part of why agencies are sometimes more expensive - you are paying for the experience a travel agent has in these things.
You could always contact a travel agency and get a quote from them, and then compare it with the various online booking engines. Then go with the best fare, but make sure you understand the restrictions that are associated with the airfare.
If you go with a reputable online booking company, such as expedia or Travelocity, there should be no problems at the airport.
Depending on where you are travelling to, you will either get an electronic ticket or an actual ‘old-school’ paper ticket. Whether you book online or with an agency, make sure you know what type of ticket it is, and if it is paper, don’t forget to take it with you!! You’d be surprised at how many people forget!
February 21st, 2009 at 12:49 am
Caffeinated Content for WordPress
there are some many travel websites now you don’t have to go to a travel agency. Now some agency are charging for there service but the airlines have cut back on the agency’s commission. The airlines may have Internet deals. I’ve booked my last 3 trips on line and had Internet deals that no travel agent can beat. The airlines want you to book on line.
February 22nd, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Caffeinated Content for WordPress
I would recommend using a service like expedia / skyscanner, to get an idea what prices they can find for the flights, then checking the airlines sites.
There’s usually no need for a traditional travel agent if you can be bothered to shop around yourself, but remember that it’s worth checking both the airline and other travel sites - sometimes the airline does offer the best deals on their web site, but not always.
–
Anne
A Fresh & Exciting Travel Resource