Kayak search results

N9eav

How reliable are all those agents that offer great flight fares when you do a Kayak or Skyscanner search?


I often see Tripsta, Omega, Budget Air, Crystal travel etc appear with the cheapest fares, but I am not sure I trust them.


The airline direct costs more and I wonder how others have found these agents?

richardw

If you can easily find bad reviews about those agents, then avoid.

N9eav

Trouble is you can easily find bad reviews about most things.

stevie11

I often use kayak for comparing prices but never purchased through any of the OLTA you listed. If Kayak results link straight to the airline I would not hesitate. I suppose it is the risk of hidden extras such as baggage chares and that you don't get an instant e-ticket that put me off. If I was booking just for myself then I may risk it to get a discounted price but when booking for family/friends I want the confidence that everything will be confirmed instantly and the airline are responsible for any delays and rebooking's etc.

leylandsunaddict

Avoid the 3rd parties that advertise on Kayak and Skyscanner and book direct with the airline. You can use them to find flights, but better to use Matrix because there are no 3rd party links. Most of the 3rd parties don't have live pricing, and the chances are the price doesn't exist.

Have a wander around Trip Advisor Air Travel or Bargain Travel forum if you want some feedback on most of the 3rd parties.

dj1471

Yes, Kayak in particular include agents with exclusively atrocious reviews. Like you say every agent will have some bad reviews, it's when most of them are negative that you should worry.

Likewise I've never booked with any of those agents, reputable ones I've used include Travel Trolley and Netflights. The big names such as Expedia sometimes have good deals too.

In an ideal world of course it's better to book direct with the airline, but there are sometimes significant savings to be had.

N9eav

Thanks.


I have used Netflights a few times and ebookers all with no problems. But wondered about the other agents that seem to have unreal prices...

richardw

Some of the OTAs have live prices and some don't, it's the latter you need to avoid because they'll call you later and do the whole 'price has changed' waffle.

bagand96

It's buyer beware using agents but pick your agent and do your research and it can be ok. You mention Netflights and ebookers, I'd use them no issues.

One of the main issues with agents is if the airline starts changing itineraries or you need to change things. Often in these cases dealing with the airline without the middle man is a lot easier, but once you book through an agent, only they can action changes on the booking. However if you have a decent agent it makes a difference.

I actually booked last week via tripsta. It was for a simple point to point trip next month so I'm fairly confident there'll be no itinerary issues and I know I won't need to change anything. Saved over 20% compared to the airline direct so I felt the risk was worth it. Went smoothly, etickets through in minutes and all is well when I log onto the itinerary on the airline site.

Voyager2002

Yes, I have also had a reasonably good experience with Tripsta. Incidentally, the "roll of shame" included Crystal Travel, but they have been in business for well over twenty years and have enjoyed a good reputation for most of that time. Most certainly not in the eDreams class.

N9eav

I eventually plumped with Virgin direct. Once all was said and done, no credit card charges and the price did not change when I got to the payment section, so it worked out even... It would be good to know anyone's avoid agents though