Buying flight via booking.com - any experience?
Posted by _amoreena@reddit | Shoestring | View on Reddit | 14 comments
I'm using Google flights as usual to look for the cheapest way to get to Rome some time in Sep-Nov. Looks like the standard 7-day trip (depending on the day you leave) is going to cost \~$380 via Air Europa. Now when I select the options, I see directly through Air Europa is actually $534 - the price I originally saw is if I book through Booking.com.
First off, what gives? Is there a discount being applied (like booking.com does with hotels), is it a fake price, am I going to be surprised down the road? I've used Booking for hotels, hostels, cars and never had any issues, but the idea of booking an actual flight through them seems dubious...
I wish I understood the tips and tricks of Google flights more, but in the meantime any suggestions or anecdotes would be helpful!
Ok_Education8310@reddit
To book a flight at Booking.com, call 𝟙-𝟠𝟜𝟜-𝟝𝟠𝟟-𝟛𝟜𝟠𝟡 or visit their website, select your destination and travel dates, and complete the booking process. You'll receive your flight confirmation via email.
Historical-Still-363@reddit
Yes, I bought a cheaper flight and vacation package by calling 1-800-245-4106. I usually prefer to book flights directly with airlines, but if a package deal is cheaper, I’ll definitely book through platforms like booking.com.
I've used booking 1-800-267-4513 dozens of times and never had any serious issues.
TurnoverOdd3957@reddit
Booking.col use third party like Gotogate.us and they are the worst scammer in flight booking , you will Loose money and will end up with nothing
Sure_Flight_6147@reddit
That’s not my experience, just used gotogate!
darkmatterhunter@reddit
Did you actually click the link and go through to checkout? Sometimes on the final pages, these 3rd party websites add in a bunch of fees. Not that I’ve seen it with booking.com, but I’d just check.
Sometimes they do have better deals, although this seems to be much more rare now than in the past. Just make sure you’re able to get a confirmation code that you can put into the airline website a day or two after booking. Third party vendors can cause a ton of problems, so it’s good to make sure the ticket actually gets purchased.
_amoreena@reddit (OP)
I did, but after reading the fine print it actually looks like Booking is just an intermediary for Gotogate, which I've heard is pretty awful.
"By making this booking, you'll enter into agreements with: (i) Gotogate, Inc. for the flight reservation service, and (ii) and Air Europa for the flight tickets and your travel on the aircrafts. Booking.com is not a party to either of these two agreements. Booking.com provides the platform on which travel companies make flight tickets for travel available with named airlines. Booking.com's role as a platform is more fully set out in its terms and conditions (link above)."
Welp the internet loves to swindle! :)
Sodium9000@reddit
They are all aweful. Unless it is super cheap I wouldnt risk any ticket reseller to safe just 30 bucks. But usually as long as there is no issue it'll work but if there's one, it is double trouble.
SecretaryMaleficent1@reddit
It all worked well with booking.com when doing the booking. However, I had trouble checking in online. ANA's site said to check with my travel agent. When I tried to get help from booking.com I found they had NO contact number or chat or email to contact them. I spent over 4 hours trying to resolve this. All they had are useless FAQs.
NOT worth the stress and time. Will find another place to book next time.
BTW, SkyScanner.com is the best site to look. It shows all the different places to actually book. I will just choose someplace besides booking.com next time.
Pure_Paramedic_9416@reddit
Hello, so how did you end up checking in?
SecretaryMaleficent1@reddit
Waited on hold for over 2 hours with ANA !
Found out that it would work 12 hours before the flight. Sure would have been good if something told me that without having to get so stressed out and all!
WalterBoudreaux@reddit
So you couldn’t actually confirm your flight was booked…until 12 hours before the flight?
SecretaryMaleficent1@reddit
I had the confirmation from when I booked the flight originally.
However, it is required that we 'check in' on international flights before the flight. I don't know why it is required but since it is required, it is very frustrating that they make it so difficult to do.
Pure_Paramedic_9416@reddit
Aw I’m sorry you had to go through that. I just booked some flights through booking.com and I am starting to worry a bit. Wish me luck!
piotr289@reddit
How’d it work out?