Flight to India - why are agents cheaper?

lukey105

Hi all,

Booking London to Bangalore for late October.
Needs to be ideally an 'open return' kinda deal (I would like to not have a fixed return date if possible to allow me flexibility - but not 100% essential !)

I get quoted a BA flight for like £500 through Opodo et al (I choose a random return date in late Jan) - but if I try and get the same trip through the BA website it's like £2.5k !!??

So I would like to know

1) Why is this?
2) If anyone has a suggestion how best I should do this!
3) Anyone done this route before and can recommend an airline?

Thanks all xx

richardw

Opodo isn't quoting the same flexibility is my guess.

lukey105

The Opodo quote I mentioned was for a proper return journey included booking. That was the point im trying to make - when I try and match Opodo on the BA website the difference is ridiculous - and I don't know why !!

PeteDoff

RULE 325b

BOOK DIRECT WITH THE AIRLINE!!!!!!
because if you don't things don't go to plan your probably 101% stuffed. (With the airline maybe only 50% stuffed)

Takecareofthepennies

richardw wrote: »

Opodo isn't quoting the same flexibility is my guess.

I second that.


Opodo, Expedia etc. will quote you the cheapest fare available (i.e. non-flexible) whereas, say, BA lets you select a "cheapest" or a "flexible" option.

jpsartre

lukey105 wrote: »

I get quoted a BA flight for like £500 through Opodo et al (I choose a random return date in late Jan) - but if I try and get the same trip through the BA website it's like £2.5k !!??

I think you're doing something wrong. The cheapest price is nowhere near £2.5k on BA's site.

Caz3121

jpsartre wrote: »

I think you're doing something wrong. The cheapest price is nowhere near £2.5k on BA's site.

If you check dates such as 23rd Oct - 8th Jan in economy on BA site and select Lowest Price the fare is £500, if you switch "lowest price" to "flexible conditions" the same economy seats are £2,226

I agree, Opodo are not quoting you a flexible ticket fare, they are quoting the lowest fare

Do some dummy bookings on the BA website and read the fare rules. If you are not looking for the option to cancel, a lower fare may still work

eg
"Changes
Time/date changes permitted at any time before each flight departure for a change fee of £100 or an upgrade fee of £100 plus any difference in fare. Changes subject to availability. Fees apply per ticket

If you want to cancel your flight
There are no refunds except for any government & airport taxes"

lukey105

Thanks for all your help guys !!

Think it best to just book a return leg, and if I have to change at a later date then so be it !
Flexible just is'nt happening.

anyone ever flown this route before??

Thanks xx