Travel Industry Sites

Using Internet Fare Finders

Booking travel via the Internet is becoming the fastest growing way for consumers to purchase travel. In 1998, travel revenue booked via the Internet was 3 Billion dollars and that number is expected to reach 8 Billion dollars in 1999. By the year 2003, the industry is expecting that 30 Billion dollars will be spent using the Internet to book travel.

To find some of the lowest airfares requires some "surfing" the net. Most of these sites require you to register and develop your own user ID and password. Just remember the information collected may be used to "target" you for new marketing campaigns. Most of these sites also provide lodging, car rental, and cruise/tour reservation services. Note - Some of the sites charge a transaction or processing fee. For current on-line transaction fees "Click Here."

Most sites allow credit card purchases via a secure system. After you have selected your travel itinerary, you will be asked a series of travel preference questions (aisle or window, special meals, etc) then if you would like E-Tickets or mailed tickets, and finally the method of payment (cash, credit phoned in, or credit via the secure system). The amount of research and comparison you do will directly influence your chances to find the lowest price.

Note - Most sites require Netscape 4.5 or higher, or Microsoft Internet Explore 3.0 or high to access their sites.

To get the absolutely lowest price requires a fair amount of research, comparing and "surfing". Although the steps below may seem to be for the "Internet expert", with some practice and a bit of patience, even the most novice Internet user can master the art of fare finding and comparing.

One method of finding and comparing the lowest airfare is listed below:

Step 1. To go to www.previewtravel.com on the Internet. Click on "Fare Finder" and do not indicate dates of travel, only the origination and destination points. Write down the search results.

Step 2. With the results from step 1, go to www.expedia.com and enter "Fare Compare" at top of page. The "Fare Compare" will allow you to compare flights to find the lowest fare.

Step 3. With the results form step 2, go to www.travelocity.com and search for the "9 best fares" at "Find the best fare for your roundtrip flight now!"

Step 4. After researching those web pages and determining the lowest fare available, deduct 30% and go to www.priceline.com and offer them that amount. Keep in mind that when you offer priceline.com a proposed price and designation, they will find it and charge your credit card automatically.

Finally - this method of finding the lowest fare is excellent if you do not have specific dates for travel. If you are not flexible with travel dates and times, this will not work.

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