2006-10-12 12:44:03 · 5 answers · asked by Simple1 1 in Travel ➔ Air Travel
Last min. tickets are cheap. You would be lucky to get reasonable priced tickets. Why didn't you book this in advance? I can only assume one of two things. The trip to LAX wasn't planned or you thought if you waited last min. it would be "cheap".
Travel is changing and those who book in advance WILL get better prices. For this I am thankful because I feel those who book in advance should get better prices.
Good Luck to you.
2006-10-12 12:50:15 · answer #1 · answered by Pam 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have worked in the industry for many years and the common misconception is the closer to the date the cheaper the fare will be, or there will be a last minute sale. Unfortunately, its the last minute tickets that make the money for the airline. If the plane is empty you could possibly still get a discount rate, but if you are talking this weekend, you are more than likely out of luck on getting any deals.
You should always shop around, but in the end, ALWAYS book directly with the airline. #1 they have the best fares. Travel websites add booking fee's, rediculous connections and additional restrictions ontop fo the airlines policies. Should you need to make any changes you will have to go through that 3rd party website or travel agency in most cases.
Transcontinental travel is by far cheaper now that it was before. Check surrounding airports or co-terminals as they are called...i.e. Orange County (SNA), Burbank (BUR), Ontario (ONT)see if there are prices close to what you are looking for and better schedules.
Friday and Sunday are the most expensive days to travel as well as the busiest. Don't expect to find anything discounted by much this late in the game.
Go to your local airports website to see who services them and then go from there. Start with Orbitz and see who has the best fare. Always go non-stop if you can and if not, keep the connections minimal. Even if a non-stop flight is $50 more, you will save time and money in the long run AND avoid the risk of missing a connection due to delays or you bags being "delayed". If you need some help finding a flight, shoot me an e-mail and I'll point you in the right direction.
Not my favorite airline, but if you live in a city that is serviced by Southwest, check them out as well. They do not participate in the agrigate or discount websites. America West competes heavily in the same markets and has just about the same routes and is a better airline than Southwest, although neither are the greatest.
No matter what site you choose to use, ALWAYS READ THE FARE RULES. This way you know what you are agreeing to before making a purchase. Some websites purchase bulk fares and these are non-changable for any reason...no matter what. The airlines can not and will not touch them. Plus, again, these sites add their own fee's and there really is not a cost savings. I have YET to find one that is cheaper than what most airlines offer in combination with price and schedule.
Good luck, I hope you find what you are looking for with in a reasonable price.
2006-10-13 00:42:46 · answer #2 · answered by southrntrnzplnt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Got to
Orbitz.com
Best website in the world,
Ross
2006-10-12 21:15:07 · answer #3 · answered by Ross V 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where are you flying from? Have you tried Cheap tickets.com?
2006-10-12 19:50:24 · answer #4 · answered by missingsosua 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
farechase.yahoo.com
2006-10-12 19:49:30 · answer #5 · answered by boweryfinest 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋