hot wire!!

[mowire]

Hi gals {or maybe guys }!!!!
I was wondering if anyone out there has used "Hotwire" or "Priceline"???? and what your experience was with them!?
We were planning a vacation and we need some airline tickets for instance.I would appreciate any info you might have!!
Hope everyone is well......have a great day....LOVE looking at all the "Threads" people have!!!!

[kasparcat]

I have used Priceline at least half a dozen times with great success! Most of the time, I have gotten the fare for SO much cheaper than anywhere else. Nowadays, the only time I fly any other way, it's because I needed to travel at very specific times or occasionally found an incredible deal elsewhere online.

Last year, my mother had a heart attack and I needed to rush-fly from Orlando to Sacramento, and you know how much THAT can cost, when you don't have 7-14 days notice. The airlines wanted between $600 and 800, even with the "bereavement" discount. My round trip on Priceline was $180.

If you are flexible about what time of day and what airports, that helps. But don't be flexible on the airports the first time you bid. For instance, say you're going from LA to NY. Always start off saying you want to fly out of just ;aguardia and Kennedy into LAX. If you don't win your bid and need to rebid, THEN tell them sure, I will fly into Long Beach or out of Newark. Get more flexible on airports as you rebid. They won't let you rebid with LESS flexibility.

Like all auctions of any type, online or real-life, know beforehand what the usual cost is and the max you want to pay.

Priceline wants your credit card info up front and if your bid is accepted, you are stuck with flying exactly what they give you. There are no chnges because you don't like the departure time or whatever. The only time I ever got them to change it involved having them speak with my mother's cardiologist at the hospital, and they are very adamant about NO CHANGES. I have never had the slightest difficulty with credit card security, it's been totally safe.

Rani

[quest_for_a_name]

I have used priceline just once but the savings were unbelievable. I will use them again.

[MsJReg]

I use www.Orbitz and I have gotten some wonderful fares-I even have flown to Pittsburgh and home to Florida on the same day for under $150.00. Just book at least seven days before.

[krnflwr]

Hi, I have used several different discount ticket sites and truly love (and highly recommend) www.Hotwire.com.
The site is easy to navigate and understand. As long as you are willing to be flexible on which airlines you are flying and the exact times, this is a great place to find wonderful deals. You can use their search engine to see what prices they are offering without having to make any commitments (unlike Priceline). Registration is free, and their customer service is very kind and helpful. I've purchased tickets several times using Hotwire and always had a positive experience. And their deals are fabulous!
One trip, our flight was cancelled at the last minute due to mechanical problems and not only did they contact us before hand to let us know what was going on (a kindness which I had never before experienced) but they arranged an alternate flight for us and helped us get "bumped up" to first class. I was just thrilled!!
One hint, you may find much different pricing depending on what days you are flying. It is usually best to do several searches, using a few different days for your trip and see how the rates change. Sometimes flying on a Tuesday (as opposed to Monday, for example) can actually save hundreds of $$.
Hope this helps and happy travelling!

[mowire]

THANKS everyone that has answered my email about Hotwire and Priceline!!!!! I KNEW you would come through!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I HOPE to get to use one of these sites...I STILL DONT know about ordering the tickets....I guess I will have to go back and look around!!! YES I dont like the idea of giving your credit card BEFORE they give you some prices!!!!!
Oh well I hope I get what I want!!!! thank you for helping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your friend in NJ

[kasparcat]

>>I STILL DONT know about ordering the tickets....I guess I will have to go back and look around!!! YES I dont like the idea of giving your credit card BEFORE they give you some prices!!!!!

BTW, you don't get a traditional [pane ticket.... once your bid goes through, they email you all the details. You print out the email on your printer and bring that to the airport and show the skycap or check-in counter, they will ask for your picture ID and that is how e-tickets work.

I've been using credit cards online for plane tickets for 6 years and never had one iota of trouble.

Rani

[charlen]

I have used orbitz.com, and I get an email from travelzoo.com each week which have unbelievable deals for people who can travel on short notice.

[patjohant]

I just went to FL and used Travelocity.com (first time use) I was quite pleased-great rates. You get the quotes B4 giving your CC #. I checked Priceline, Hotwire and Orbitz they were the cheapest. I would use them again.