Major Airline

[green_rd]

I often do searches on Kayak, Momondo and other search engines. Lately I have been seeing less expensive entries for "Major Airline" it is usually easy to find the actual airlne based on the route. For example, Delta is the only carrier flying nonstop from here to Paris.

Most of these seem to be from OTAs I never heard of. I know I should always make sure payment goes directly to the provider, what other red flags do you see?

[Sneaky1]

I fly a lot. Without question, the best rates are to be found on the carriers own websites. They guarantee it. Delta.com, etc. Plus, changes are much easier when you deal direct, as well as reroutes on travel day when there are cancellations. I’ve had nothing but trouble with websites like Priceline and Kayak etc.

[storybookcruises.com]

I agree! Almost always, the lowest price you find online will also be found on the airline's website. And unlike cruises, almost always, it's better to book airfare directly through airline. (Cruises are always best to be booked through an agent.)

Every now and then I'll find a different routing through one of the online sites that I can't find on the airline's website, but even then, the price is not a huge difference.

However, sometimes it works to your advantage to look at other routings and other airlines. For example, we once flew from Dulles to LAX. I found a flight that went from Dulles to DFW, changed airlines, and then flew to LAX. Price difference was $100, but we had 5 people flying, so it made it definitely made it worth it.

Also, if you're doing a cruise, sometimes the airfare through the cruise line may be the same price and if so, then it's good to book it through them. Some cruise lines will then also include complimentary transfers.

And if you're booking a resort stay, many times it's cheaper to book the airfare and the resort as a package than it is to book them separate.

Pete