Any companies that still take deposits for flights?

simplysounduk

Hi All,

I have been stung by the sudden rise in the cost of flights to New York (£350 yesterday, £450 today and rising). Are there any companies/airlines that let you pay a deposit to secure a flight and then pay the balance nearer the time or in installments? I know that paying on a credit card would be the most obvious option, but unfortunately, I can't get one.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated, looking to go on 26th April - 5th May, Cheers

richardw

Eight weeks from the 26th April is about the first of March, so would you be able to pay it all then?

simplysounduk

I think so, yeah, that's if I can get the flights for £450 which they are now. Bit concerned that the longer I leave it, the higher the fares are going to go and then they'll be completely out of reach.

richardw

You might be able to get a flight+hotel deal through an agent such as trailfinders, but many airlines want 'instant purchase'.

simplysounduk

I don't need a hotel, my travel buddy's Sister lives in NYC so we're simply staying with her. Will just have to hope that the price is still the same when I've got the money together. Many thanks for your help, Cheers

photome

Dial a flight used to take a deposit dont know if they still do

HXDave

we use some companies that will allow deposits to be taken on flight only's, however it will not gaurantee the fare, and still needs to be paid 10 weeks prior to departure.

Paying a deposit will secure your reservation, however if the airline then decides to increase the cost for the 'seat class' you have booked, you could still be liable for the increased fare. it all depends on how much notification the airline gives to the flight company, and if you then have time to secure the extra payment within the time limit. Some airlines will let you know a week or 2 in advance of any fare increase, allowing you time to pay the remainder of the flight and then issue the ticket at the lower fare. however some may just advise that the fare is increasing at the end of the day, and if it's not paid for in full and ticketed by then, the new higher fare will then be charged. you then have 2 options -0 either pay the higher fare or cancel the ticket with loss of deposit.

One other way of doing it (and Del, if you are reading i want my commission on this) is to book a Virgin Holiday but maybe just as a fly drive with no car insurance and just basic car. This will give you access to the Virgin Holidays IT fares and should allow a deposit. I'm sure Del will correct me if i am wrong.

Regards

HXDave

richardw

So do IT fares work for flight+hire car?

If so is this common amongst airlines?

Moonchild

richardw wrote: »

So do IT fares work for flight+hire car?

If so is this common amongst airlines?

Yes.

You can still be liable for tax / fuel surcharge increases. Also airlines can bring forward a ticketing deadline on IT fares if they are bringing out new contracts, so you may still have to pay in full earlier than anticipated. This is not the Tour Op's fault..!

HXDave

I T fares can normally be used provided there is at least 1 other element attached to the fare. this could be car hire, 1 night hotel etc etc etc. And you dont even need to use the other element (ie you can book very basic car hire with no insurance, then just not use it!)

HXDave

photome

what is an IT fare