Airplane Tickets

[digital1942]

I recently scheduled a trip from Los Angeles to Bogota.  In searching for good tickets, I first called up two travel agencies, one that specialized in Latin Travel.  The one agency said all they could find was a Delta flight for almost $700 and with unfavorable hours.  The Latin Agency found a flight on Mexicana Airlines for $555 but the plane got back Sunday at 11:30 p.m.  I then went on Travel Velocity as well as some of the other Internet Search engines and couldn't find anything better.  Finally, I went on the Mexicana Airlines website and found a flight for $555 from LA to Bogota (via Mexico City) which got back Sunday at 4:30 p.m. which were better hours for me.  So, in conclusion, between (1) travel agencies, (2) Internet Websites, and (3) Airline websites, specifically Mexicana Airlines in this case, the best deal I got was by going to the Airline website.  

[mudd]

... in response to Airplane Tickets, posted by digital1942 on Feb 27, 2002

Mexicana does not have the "best" reputation for safety, if you know what i mean. did you try avianca? i have searched all over the internet,from american airlines to delta, to contenintal, to avianca, throught expedia,hotwire, specialized latin travel agencies to direct with the carriers. i can tell you this, the prices change every day from each agent to each carrier. i have to fly out of san diego to bogota, actualy i leave next month for the island of san andres, and unfortunately, the only airline that arrived in bogota early enough to make my connecting flight from bogota to san andres was american, and i hate to fly them. if you have the time in advance, search the internet for about 5 hours. you can usualy save $200 to $300. c-ya!

[MarkInTx]

... in response to Airplane Tickets, posted by digital1942 on Feb 27, 2002

Priceline.com is tough for airline tickets because you can't choose your hours... but if you are already willing to make a connection, it's not a bad way to go.

I would shop around for the best price, then put out a priceline request for $100 less. You never know... WOuld you be willing to get into LA at 11:30 instead of 4:30 if you could save another $100?

BTW, I think the best use of Priceline is for hotels. DUnno if this would help in Bogota... but here in the states you can choose the level of hotel you want plus a general vicinity.

I have gotten great deals through Priceline on hotels...

[Cali vet]

... in response to Interesting... Then did you try PriceLin..., posted by MarkInTx on Feb 27, 2002

Maybe I shouldn't be in these times of low airfares but I was amazed to find a fare of $352 from St. Louis to Cali. I even have a friend who is driving in from another state to get that fare! It's a bit of a trudge: St.L-Houston-Panama City-Cali but it leaves late morning, 11:30 and gets there at 9:15. What's to complain! We got it off Orbitz.