Why Bargain Travel Sites May No Longer Be Bargains

[PomPui]

Found this article today on slashdot, as someone who has used Expedia etc for years maybe I need to change the ways I book my trips. Just wondered if anyone else been able to get better deals direct?

 

https://backchannel.com/why-bargain-travel-sites-may-no-longer-be-bargains-979e8bbf47a8

[craigt3365]

I only use websites like Expedia for research.  I always buy direct.  Rarely can I find a better deal by using a consolidator only.  Worst case, going direct costs just a bit more. 

 

The good part about going direct is the service.  We were in Beijing one time, having bought tickets via Cheaptickets, or something like that.  We were late and missed our connection.  China Air didn't want to help us as we didn't buy direct.  Basically said for us to call Cheaptickets to get things sorted out.  Luckily, we found some others in the same position and they eventually got us on another flight.  I won't take that chance again.

 

Also, many airlines are not listed on consolidator sites.  I've got a few tickets lately by using Google Flights.  It's shown some airlines and routes that are hard to discover other ways.  I still booked direct, but at least I found out about the small airline with the cheap seat!