Huge difference in price between online travel agents and airline website
I often notice this rather strange occurrence when searching for fares through Kayak (it may not be specific to Kayak but it is the tool I use the most).
It is that, for the same flight, there is a huge difference in the price shown from one web travel agent to another as well as the price shown on the official airline website.
Here is an example:
How is Webjet able to sell this for so much cheaper (> $2000) compared to everyone else?
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Is it better to book on airline website?
More often than not, booking directly through the airline's website will give you the best price, or will at least be the same as the OTAs. Some airlines, like Southwest, won't even show up on sites like Expedia or Orbitz, so you have to book direct. It can also be the most simple way to book.Are airline tickets cheaper through a travel agent?
It's more expensive to book flights with a travel agent than to book online from home. That's because travel agents typically charge for their services, even booking a flight on your behalf. Still, an agent's services could be worthwhile for some travelers hoping to avoid stressful vacation planning.Does it cost more to go through a travel agent?
They don't usually cost extra. It's a myth that working with a travel agent will automatically cost you more; most get paid via commissions from the hotel or outfitter.Is it better to book flights directly with airline or travel agent?
Book direct with the airlines is basically always preferred as long as the fares of the airline vs the 3rd party travel agent are the same or lower. In those cases, there is no reason to book with an agent. This is especially true for simple point-to-point tickets within North America.Travel Agents VS. Online Bookings- 5 Reasons to Use a Travel Agent Today!
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: ANTONI SHKRABA, Andrea Piacquadio, Pixabay, Pixabay