by Jessica
Howell
If you're using a blind TSE, where airline and hotel
names aren't disclosed until after purchase, be sure
to check the site's list of travel partners beforehand.
Most of the time you're left unable to change arrangements
after booking.
Make sure that you are taking advantage of any discounts
you may be eligible for, including student, senior or
organization (like AAA) options. Many TSEs offer such
discounted rates although you'll have to search the
site to find.
Pay close attention to which rates have actually been
found by the TSE search and which are simply paid advertising
or placement on the site. By selecting an advertisement
rather than an actual TSE rate, you may find yourself
dealing with different policies and restrictions.
Always check that your price at "checkout"
is the same as the price quoted during your search.
Since many TSEs are searching in real time, the price
can fluctuate quickly and change drastically from the
time it is presented in a search and the time you've
made the decision to book it at checkout.
The TSEs selected for WebWatch's study included AOL
Pinpoint Travel, Booking Buddy, Cheap Flights, ITA Software,
Kayak, Mobissimo, Price Grabber, QIXO, SideStep, Travelzoo
and Yahoo Farechase.
To
review the complete study, click here.
(Source:
Consumer
Report WebWatch)
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