Slashdot Mirror
Online Travel Agencies?
dbright asks: "I am currently planning my upcoming honeymoon, and I was wondering if I should try getting my tickets, and/or making travel arrangements online using one of the many available retailers (cheaptickets.com, priceline.com, etc...). I wanted to ask Slashdot readers about experiences with any of these companies, and their thoughts on making arrangements online."
I can't stress this enough. Airlines are pushing people to sign up for electronic ticketing -- it sounds reasonable to most people as a way to reduce costs, by not having to check you in, etc. However, the real reason airlines are pushing these is that they're actually a different class of ticket. The contract is different. If you read it carefully, you'll see that it's inferior to a regular paper ticket. The biggest difference is that usually, you have a lower priority. If the plane is full, or if they just happen to have more customers come along willing to pay full pop, they have the right to bump you. You may be making other concessions too -- like if your luggage is late or lost, they won't deliver it to you -- you'll have to come pick it up. Electronic tickets are a scam. Don't buy them, and if you do, read the fine print carefully. Definately don't buy them if you absolutely have to be somewhere on time.