Third party website flights - risks?

bairn7

Hi all

Currently looking for flights to the US and I can get flights through what I consider to be reputable third party bookers (eg netflights, expedia, ebookers) for almost half the price of going directly with the airline.

I've read the horror stories but most seem to focus on risks that I'm prepared to bear (eg third party not notifying of schedule changes, having to cancel reschedule for personal reasons etc).

What I'm curious about is what would happen if I book through a third party and have to rebook DURING flight (eg due to late connection or mechanical issues). For example if I book a two leg flight with BA through a third part but the first leg is delayed...are BA still obliged to get me to my destination?

Thanks!

Kernow666

personally i have never had a problem

i use flightcentre a couple times a year also in past used expedia , ebookers & travelup and never had a problem , i know most people say book direct with the airline & its the risk you take by booking with an agent but the Juice is worth the squeeze when you can save a good few quid

once you are confirmed on the airlines website then it is upto them to provide all the flights even if delayed or changed

Caz3121

bairn7 wrote: »

Currently looking for flights to the US and I can get flights through what I consider to be reputable third party bookers (eg netflights, expedia, ebookers) for almost half the price of going directly with the airline.

That seems a huge saving. One of the common complaints about using third party sites (not necessarily the ones you mention) is the lack of live pricing and the "sorry that fare is sold out, if you still want the flight you need to pay £s more)
What route and month are you looking at? it is possible to be quite creative with US flights and get some good value even going directly with the airline

sample issue: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g1-i10702-k9002430-Expedia_didn_t_carry_out_a_confirmed_booking-Air_Travel.html

bairn7

GLA-LAX (24th Dec to 31 Dec) - £462 with netflights (overnight stop in London) but £884 on ba.com. The issue appears to be that I can't split the outgoing flight over two days. Any way around this?

bairn7

Just to follow up, I actually phoned BA and they quoted me £470 for a multi leg flight that I couldn't get by searching on BA.com. For the £8 difference, I opted to book direct

jpsartre

bairn7 wrote: »

GLA-LAX (24th Dec to 31 Dec) - £462 with netflights (overnight stop in London) but £884 on ba.com. The issue appears to be that I can't split the outgoing flight over two days. Any way around this?

Book it as a multicity booking on BA.com, GLA-LHR 24/12, LHR-LAX 25/12, LAX-LHR-GLA 31/12.

richardw

I've noticed before that ba.com doesn't generally offer flights to the US that arrive the next day.