Travel web sites are big business, and a lot of power has been
placed in the hands of the consumer… or has it? Does your urge
to always look for a better deal play into somebody else’s
greed? A travel web site is a great tool but before booking
online you must know these 5 dirty little secrets.
1. ALL TRAVEL WEB SITES ARE CREATED EQUAL – RIGHT?
Afraid not. These days there are really two types of sites for
booking online travel. The more traditional travel web sites
like Expedia, Travelocity, and Travel Now… and the new kid on
the block known as travel search engines, which include sites
like SideStep and Kayak.
A travel web site only searches its own database of available
flights, and rooms, and car rentals. So the search is limited.
On the plus side you’ll get more search features and booking
services offered.
At travel search engines, the results will be more comprehensive
than at a travel web site. These engines will include results
directly from airline sites, travel web sites, and other
databases containing flight and room availability. But you’ll
find a more restrictive search capability, and you won’t get the
“bells and whistles” of a travel web site.
2. IT REALLY DOES PAY TO COMPARE AS MANY AS YOU CAN
A travel web site will negotiate and purchase blocks of fares
and rooms directly from airlines and hotels. They can then set
their own reduced rate. Because of this the same seat on a
flight, or room in a hotel, can vary between travel web sites.
So if you want the cheapest fare or room always check out at
least two or three before booking online travel.
3. TRAVEL WEB SITES DON'T ALWAYS GET THE BEST DEAL
And just before you press that “submit” button at your chosen
online booking site… hop over for a final check at the airline
or hotel web site for any special offers or lower rates you may
get if you book directly. Sometimes the best deals are reserved
for their own online customers or preferred clients, and you’ll
even avoid fees.
Speaking of fees…
4. BEWARE OF TRAVEL WEB SITE SERVICE AND TRANSFER FEES
The travel web sites may be complimentary to search but they
charge to book, and if you have to change itinerary then it can
be frustrating and costly. On the good side the service fees are
not usually outrageous – around $5 per ticket. But I’ve seen
some creeping up to around $20 and there’s no need to pay that
price.
Now transfer fees are another kettle of fish, and it can cost
you $100 or more to change after you’ve booked a flight. And if
you want a refund… be prepared to spend hours on the phone to
get to somebody who can authorize it.
The travel search engines make money from paid advertising and a
referral fee from the airlines or hotels, so usually you don’t
pay a fee when using them to book. But this is changing so check
for fee disclosure before booking.
5. THE HIDDEN LINK THAT CAN SAVE YOU MONEY
Many of the travel web sites have a link on their page that
allows you to become part of their affiliate program for no
cost. The problem is it’s usually “hidden” at the bottom of the
page in type point 7 invisible. By becoming an affiliate you can
earn a small commission for everybody you refer to them that
buys a ticket or room.
But before you rush out and quit your day job and set yourself
up as a home-based travel agent, understand you’ll have to send
them hundreds and hundreds of people hot to buy to make any
money. But here are better reasons to become an affiliate…
These same sites allow you as an affiliate to purchase your own
tickets and still get paid the commission. It’s effectively a
discount. For the sake of spending a few minutes completing the
form why not do it?
Now be sure to check the small print on the agreement just so
you’re familiar with the restrictions if any, and how they’ll
pay you.
Armed with these tips and secrets you’ll be better prepared to
navigate through a travel web site. I use them all the time and
continue to find new twists and gotchas. And there’s still that
travel agent in the mall if you just can’t be bothered with the
whole online game.
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