Florida Online Airfare Booking Information - Part 3
Florida Online Airfare Booking Information - Part 3
Another option for the very flexible traveler is the online auction. Participants actually place a value on airline tickets and if the offer is accepted, you're on your way. This can be a great way to save some money but, unfortunately, you can't plan your vacation until the bid is accepted.Bid4Travel
This lets users bid on an array of travel items, including airline tickets. You'll be notified by e-mail if your bid is accepted.
Priceline.com
This is a fantastic site that offers a unique way of purchasing airline tickets, particularly for those who know their air fares. In the simplest terms, users submit a reasonable price for an airline ticket, then Priceline searches for an airline that can offer that flight for your price. You have to submit your credit card number up front. Be aware that if Priceline finds a suitable flight, they'll go ahead and purchase it for you.
Priceline will contact you by e-mail if your bid is accepted. Expect to wait an hour for domestic flights and up to 24 hours for international flights before your purchase is confirmed.
If you want to invest in an excellent guide to travel, consider Travel Planning Online for Dummies by Noah Vadnai. Following the same formula that other "Dummies" books have adopted, Vadnai uses simple, easy-to-understand language, tips, reminders and warnings in this wealth of travel information. In his guide, he recommends four major online travel agencies that have distinguished themselves from the rest of the pack. They are:
Expedia - owned by Microsoft and recommended for its ease of use and design
Internet Travel Network - which also serves as the booking site for many of the most popular travel sites on the Web, including CNN and American Express
Preview Travel - considered America Online's travel agency
Travelocity - this descendent of easySabre, the first online booking site, is one of the best known agencies on the Web.
Each of these four sites allows consumers to safely transmit credit card and personal information to the site, employs travel agents available by calling a toll-free phone number, and allows users to store a "travel profile" which catalogues personal preferences such as airport, airlines and whether you fly for business or pleasure.
Here's something to keep in mind: Many Web sites also let travelers book hotels and car rentals, making travel planning easier than ever.
IT'S TIME TO PAY
Many people are justifiably concerned about submitting credit card information over the Internet. According to Travel Planning Online for Dummies, you shouldn't run into any problems as long as the site is encrypted. Both Netscape and Internet Explorers browsers show whether a site uses encryption.
On Netscape 3.0 and 4.0, look for a chain or padlock in the bottom left-hand corner.
On Internet Explorer versions 3.0 and higher, look for a lock in the bottom right-hand corner. If the locks or chains are not broken, then you can be assured that you're connected to a secure server and your information is safe.
There's no question that searching online for low airfares takes a little time. There are so many factors to consider - flight availability, last-minute bookings, dates of departure and more. All it really takes is a little practice. The more you use these unique sites, the easier it is to find the cheapest flights around.
LivingToday.tv - February 22nd, 2005
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