Michael

The cheapest I can find NYC-London-SFO leaving May 31 and coming back July 25 is $712. One trick for domestic fares is to try on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, when specials are often posted. Does that apply to international fares? Thanks.

Michael

My error. The cheapest is $912.

Michael

I just found two tickets for $616 each through ITA Software (http://www.itasoftware.com/). The difference may be that they allow me to sign up as a senior (62+) while the others, if they give the option, start at 65.

111op

Does a travel agent do the final booking? I just looked at the webpage.

Thanks.

WillTravel

ITASoftware finds fares that aren't necessarily bookable. But Orbitz, CheapTickets, and Travelocity are good places to start if you want to try, because those use the ITASoftware backend engine. Try the airline site too, of course.

111op

Thanks. I usually use Orbitz.

For some of the identical flights, ITA's price is a few dollars less than Orbitz -- probably due to Orbitz's commission.

ITA has an interesting connection though that's not on Orbitz, and it's actually one I'd think about booking. I don't know if the flights actually exist, or what. But anyway.

WillTravel

You might be able to force Orbitz to give you that connection with enough manipulation. Or this might be a case where you can use a real, live travel agent.

111op

Orbitz has been getting worse, I must say. They used to be good with time parameters, but these days, they take the times with a big grain of salt. When I specify flights leaving at 8 pm, they give me flights at 6:30. When I specify flights leaving in the afternoon, they give me flights leaving at 9:30 am.

But I guess after a few trial and error attempts, I can force Orbitz to give me the flights I want (that is, when they're still available!).

It's annoying though.

Frequently I know that if I match flight 1 with a flight 2 in a different pair, I'll get the perfect flight (like KLM-AA -- but then, that's simply not possible).

I think that there're enough tools these days for everyone to book on his/her own.

rkkwan

WillTravel is correct. It's often that you can use the "multiple-destination" feature on Orbitz or some other site to force a specific itinerary. The price is often what you find on itasoftware.com + its $10 fees. However, they may have to issue you a paper ticket, and add on delivery cost.

Michael

111op,

I called in this case Virgin Atlantic directly, specified the codes and got my electronic ticket. I believe that ITA dates the availability, and I must admit that I have not had the same luck with Travelocity and other sites. But most of the other sites specify 65 as a senior, ITA was lower. That might make a difference.

111op

Thanks Michael. The tip about calling the airline directly is useful.