airline pricing suggestions
 

Aloha! Happy to report I am getting super close to booking airline reservations and wanted to get suggestions/feedback from all of you experienced travelers on the best web site to book through. I will hopefully be able to use miles to get me from Hawaii to San Diego, but then need to pay $$ to get from SD to Nairobi (and back to SD). Will be traveling mid-late August, 2010. So far it looks like kayak.com has the best fares (thanks to previous suggestions on this forum). But if anyone knows of any other "deal" sites--please let me know! Also, would appreciate feedback from others who have booked through kayak.com--any problems? How about flying with Ethiopian Airline?
Thanks!!!!

When you have selected flights check on internet or call directly the airlines about those exact same flights. Many times the airline prices are the same. And the problem with some of these "middle" guys, Orbitz, Kayak, Travelocity etc. is they may have very restrictive policies on changes. Like - no changes, you forfeit all. While most airlines for maybe $75 allow changes. Be sure and read the "fine print" before you commit $1,500 pp.

regards - tom

I just booked by flights JFK/NBO via Dubai/DXB on Emirates.
Ethiopian air has a few stops. I know they have flight out of IAD (Dulles at WashDC) to Rome for short stop, then to Addis (ADD) short stop, before onto NBO or JRO. Not my ideal, even if saving a few $$$s.

For my trip end this month (all last minute), I checked Kayak first and then came upon another site offering an even lower price. Contacted them, but when they figured it out... price came in higher than Kayak. Then checked the Emirates site itself and fare was lower than even thru Kayak.

Decision was easy enough - booked thru the Emirates site, paid, selected seats, meals... and am set to go.

Only you can decide.

Kayak isn't a booking site. It's simply for searching. Kayak will redirect you to wherever the fare was found (can be multiple sources). This could be the airline's own website or a third party booking site such as Orbitz, etc. I always choose the airline's own website if possible.

It doesn't appear that you can book from SAN on the Ethiopian website. I don't know if they'll be able to sell you the SAN-IAD flight in conjunction with their flights if you call. If you have to make the booking through a third party, just know that any changes prior to departure will have to go through them.

Aloha All---appreciate the feedback, information and suggestions. Geez, cannot believe getting this trip together has been so hard. Know it will be worth it though, once it all comes together. Just gotta stay positive.

I checked Emirates site and the price was way higher than what was quoted on kayak. Guess I need to do some more investigation/mixing up of departure cities, etc. More homework,,,,sigh,,,,

Sandi--so envious of your upcoming trip--you got it together just like that!!! Hope you have a great time.

Could you go through LAX or SFO? The fares out of San Diego are probably going to be higher, given that it's not a hub. As Patty pointed out, Kayak just searches for fares and you buy them on the provider's website. You could try an air consolidator, but I don't know that you'd do much better.

I've not talked directly with anyone using Ethopian Airlines, but I think you have to fly through Addis Ababa. I've read a few horror stories about that, but I'd assume they are the exception, not the norm.

Are your dates at all flexible? And as ShayTay suggested, if you can fly from LAX or SFO you might have a bit more wiggle room. I'm seeing fares a shade under 2k with departure Aug 12 and return Aug 31 SFO-NBO-SFO. I always check all the resources, including consolidators, the airlines themselves, orbitz, etc., etc. But I've never gotten a really great fare! :) You might do a search or ask the question on the Air Travel board of this forum because there are quite a few sites to check.

Yeh, did mine real quick. But I'm regularly checking fares, so once I decided "it's a go" just booked my ticket.

Agree with others, if you can get a cheap fare into LAX* or SFO, more options will probably open for you.

* Or drive up.

Supposedly, Tue or Wed are good days to check fares, 12M, when the airlines restock seats (those on hold that paxs didn't book) and prices.

Thanks for the tips!

I guess I was just getting discouraged when I saw the price jump from ~$1500 to ~$1800 and now ~$2,000! Of course, it would be cheaper to travel at another time of the year, but one of my travel partners is a teacher so gotta go according to her schedule, which just happens to be the most expensive times to go (I think).

ShayTay--what kind of horror stories have you heard about Addis Ababa? One of the other airline options that was on the less expensive end was Emirates, but I was a little concerned about the Dubai leg of the trip. Maybe I should just bite the bullet and pay a bit extra for something like KLM?????

Does anyone else have any comments (negative or positive) about the airlines (or layover cities) mentioned?

Sandi--I have heard that Tues or Wed were the best days to book, but didn't know why--thanks! Does 12M mean midnight? Is this EST? That works for me---Hawaii time---wouldn't have to stay up past my bedtime!!

OK, I will keep looking and appreciate all of your advise.
Mahalo!

The Emirates leg from West Coast to DXB is as long as it is from JFK (east coast)... over the Pole, about 13/hrs. But, as I've learned, anything after 8/hrs on any flight, you no longer feel the pain. :)

Emirates planes are beautiful, with not a hue of "blue" to be found... soft colors as lime, fuschia, gold... comforting. Even coach seats have leg rests. Their entertainment system is top notch though I've never used, rather read or sleep. But the electronics are narrow and don't take up space where your feet should be. Food service is very good. And crew (lots of them), good.

12M - guess it's EST, so that should work for you. But who know? Probably Ms. Patty!!! :) She's our airline pro!

Good luck.

JFK-Dubai is just about 11-12 hrs usually (favourable winds). Dubai-JFK is always 14hrs. You have the option of night flights both directions, so you could probably get a bit more sleep.

I think Dubai-LAX is more like 16hrs.

PS: The Dubai airport is the worst I've even been in!!! Thankfully the new terminal is not a garbage pit like the old one!

Check with Expedia and see what Delta has to offer. I fly from the west coast, and have been very happy with last mintues flights found on Expedia. I usually go through Frankfurt to South Africa, but am finding it difficult to get to Nairobi without multiple stops. Much easier to get to Joburg. Have you confirmed plans for Kenya or can you switch to the southern part of Africa?

Also, try your best to book a flight on a 757 or bigger as there is more leg room, not much, but every bit helps. And the economy seats have movies screens on the back of each seat and allows you to choose what you want to watch.

The good news is, the trip is worth the flight.

The Ethiopian Airlines story that was posted online dealt with a traveler whose boarding passes were taken by the gate agent. The agent then refused to board them and the plane left without them. The same agent tried it again the next day, but they finally figured out that he was looking for a bribe and managed to get to a manager and was boarded... a day late.

<i>And the economy seats have movies screens on the back of each seat and allows you to choose what you want to watch.</i>

Delta's 763ERs still only have overhead screens in economy. The 777LRs used for JNB do have in seat entertainment. In any case the segment into NBO will be on partner metal since Delta doesn't serve NBO.

SAN doesn't support any transatlantic service (that I'm aware of) and there are no direct US-NBO flights so any routing will involve at least 2 connections. As mentioned, from LAX you have single connection possibilities via AMS, LHR, CDG, ZRH, DXB. Yes the LAX-DXB-LAX flights are +/- 16 hrs.

13 vs 16/hrs... whichever... long is long, but the final destination is worth it. :)

Am with HariS - the DXB airport was a disappointment - long long terminal, that I thought the gate for my ongoing flight was in the next country :) I couldn't wait to get on my continuing flights! Maybe this time I'll experience the new terminal.

Thanks to all of you for your comments and information.

This forum is great--- like taking a class in travel experience (is there such a thing)?

Glad the weekend is here so I can spend some time investigating different departure city options. Surprised to discover thus far that departing from San Diego is about the same price as from LAX or SFO. So far, it looks like the main difference is the airline.

So, my next question to all of you experienced travellers is, all things considered (airline and layover destination), would you choose:
a. KLM (layover Amsterdam)
b. Emirates (layover Dubai)
c. Virgin Atlantic (layover London)
d. Swiss Air (layover Zurich)

Appreciate your help!

For me, KLM at AMSterdam's Schiphol airport is the most civilized. Good signage, easy to navigate, great shops and eateries.

London/LHR - Virgin... ugh, hate the airport
Zurich/ZUR - Swiss... sterile (like the Swiss)
Dubai/DXB - Emirates... so, so! Though shopping is supposed to be good, but don't know from experience; nothing caught my eyes!

also, depends on how long the layovers between flights to/from.

Hey, it's a means to an end. As long as the plane takes off and lands, the rest doesn't really much matter.

Thanks, Sandi!

How about if we go for an extended layover time---would that allow us to go anywhere to see any sites? Last trip I think our layover was about 8 hrs which allowed us to go into the city to do a few things (Amsterdam).

And as far as the airlines themselves, pretty much all the same with regards to comfort, etc? I've heard great things about Virgin Atlantic in terms of comfort.

Elizabeth
As far as I am and my experiences are concerned: The earlier the better - there might come out some "specials" later on based on the lack of European travellers because the € is just melting.....but if I were in your shoes I would book as soon as there is a fare which somehow suits my budget. Don't wait for the last 10% - they have never made anybody rich!

Coming from the US NW/KLM is still the best option - or I have missed some info ,-)

Happy Travels!

SV ((@))

OOPS - I forgot:
Only choose REPUTABLE airlines - you have only ONE life! As we have seen recently!

Happy landings!

SV ((@))

With 8/hrs and AMS being so small, yes one can easily get into town. No knowing when you last did this, but nowadays, you have to consider the re-checkin/security... min 2/hrs and time needed to transit back to airport. Also, if arriving AMS early, not much opens before 8am, if then. Believe flight departs for NBO and/or JRO 9:30-10:30am.

SV - even reputable airplines go down, i.e., Air France coming from Brazil a few months back!

Did you try going through Hong Kong? As I said in your earlier thread going Seoul, Hong Kong and Johannesburg will be the shortest and cheapest of all my trips to Africa. Can't remember if you can get a Nairobi connection or not.
Aloha.

I like AMS, too. Most of the East Africa flights leave mid-morning, though, so I doubt you'll have much of a layover coming in from the US. A couple of years ago, a fellow traveler's SD flight arrived just after the JRO flight left, so he had a 23-hour layover (scheduled.) It's a neat way to have a day in Amsterdam without paying a layover fee. If you have a shorter layover and all you want to do is sleep, though, there is a Yotel in the airport (sort of a "capsule" hotel room.)

The Kenya Airways flight from AMS leaves in the evening so you could take that if you wanted a longer layover.

Kenya Airways also flies Hong Kong/Guangzhou-Bangkok-Nairobi if you want to route via the Pacific.

My vote would be for Virgin Atlantic-back to the same thing, newer planes, more leg room and Heathrow is pretty easy to get around. Yes, Amsterdam is smaller, but you may still have to change terminals. If you have a full day in London, there would be time to go into town on the tube, but I would allow for two hours to get back through security. Sorry about the earlier suggestion about Delta, I always check them for Jburg as I have direct flights out of Oregon via Salt Lake.

AMS is like one big interconnected terminal. Some of the walks are longish but there are moving walkways. A US-Africa connection just involves walking to the connecting gate and clearing security at the gate.

Blessing to those well positioned moving walkways at AMS. And, I've yet had to walk farther from arriving flight to the connecting gate then across from one side to the other. Though a friend once landed (late with only 10/min for a connection... rather unusal) had to hoof to board where I was already seated.

On one trip (not to Africa) thru AMS having to go from one wing to another, which appeared to be in another country, only took 15/min. Compared to other airports I've transited thru where trams/buses or whatever were required, this was an easy "stroll in the park."

Again, AMS is very civilized.

Thanks to all of you for your comments, information and suggestions.

Seemed like everytime I checked the fares, it was going up, up, up (started at ~$1500 and now $2100). Additionally, by not getting it together with our travel plans in a timely manner, we are now missing out on 2 accomodations we wanted (Macushla House in Nairobi and Sweetwaters).

So taking those 2 things into consideration,I finally did it---got it booked---yipppeeee!!!! We are going on Delta from San Diego to Atlanta, Amsterdam, then KLM to Nairobi. Now I just have to get across the ocean to SD! Hope I can use Hawaiian miles for that leg.

matnikstym---mahalo for your help. I tried your itinerary suggestion awhile ago, but it didn't work out traveling to Nairobi.

So again, thanks to all of you. I know I mentioned earlier that this forum is like taking a class in travel--what you need to know---but it's also a wonderful support group.

Congratulations! You're really truly going!

I'm glad it worked out for you! Would you like to share your final itinerary and dates? You may find a fellow Fodorite traveling at the same time and place you are.

Congrats!

Thanks all---love your encouraging words.

Yes, would love to share my itinerary, although we are still on hold for Sweetwaters--keeping our fingers crossed that it will open up for us.

For now, it is:
1 Nairobi Nairobi Serena Hotel BB
2 Nairobi Nairobi Serena Hotel L-D-BB
3 Amboseli Tortilis Camp LDBB
4 Amboseli Tortilis Camp LDBB
5 Ol Pejeta Sweetwaters Tented Camp LDBB
6 Ol Pejeta Sweetwaters Tented Camp LDBB
7 Mara Offbeat Mara Camp LDBB
8 Mara Offbeat Mara Camp LDBB
9 Mara Offbeat Mara Camp LDBB
10 Mara Offbeat Mara Camp LDBB
11 Nairobi Ole Sereni Hotel Dayroom

I really wanted to stay at Machushla House in Nairobi, but by the time we got it together it was booked (snooze you loose)!

The main reason I wanted to spend a full day in Nairobi was to visit Sheldrick's and Giraffe Manor, so we will be doing that. Would love to adopt an elephant, so need to look into that a bit more.

Please let me know if there is anything else we should try to do in Nairobi. Would love to buy something special to bring home that is representative of the trip. Might be a bit of a storage problem since this stop will be at the beginning?

Not interested in The Carnivore. Had dinner there 20+ yrs ago and was kinda grossed out by the slabs of animals they brought to the table. I hear they don't do that anymore, but still don't want to go.

If any of you are traveling at the same time/place--by all means, please let me know---would love to meet you!

Have you looked into the Kicheche or Porini camps on Ol Pejeta? They're smaller than Sweetwaters and would be more similar to your other choices. Do you have a back up booking somewhere?

Might want to stop at Kazuri Beads & Pottery or Utamaduni for shopping while you're in Nairobi. They're both close to Sheldrick and Giraffe Centre.

2nd Patty's suggestion - Porini or Kicheche at Ol Pejeta, maybe even Ol Pejeta Safari Camp.

As to shopping, even at the start of trip, you can find small items that are easily packed. Toss a folding bag into your duffle that you can use for all your gifts*; on homebound, check this as your 2nd bag. Having some bubble wrap helps with delicate carved wooden animals. Otherwise, "buy flat" as they're easier to pack. Also, the properties at which you'll stop have gift shops and often better quality items and still at competitive pricing.

*or your dirty cloths that if lost is no big deal; gifts then in your main duffle.

There are a lot of shopping opportunities in Nairobi, but my favorites are the Kazuri Bead Factory (a "second" to Patty's rec) and a women's self-help organization called Amani ya Juu for sewn goods and also jewelry from women in a nearby crafts market. Amani also has a nice garden cafe serving "Mexi-Kenyan" fare (Tsavo Tacos, etc.) If you do your shopping at the beginning of your safari in Nairobi, your outfitter can store your bag with your purchases until you return from the Mara. That way, you don't have the extra weight and bag to deal with. In addition to Sandi's great suggestion of the folding bag and bubble wrap, throw in some packing tape, as well, to use on the bubble wrap when wrapping your souvenirs.

If you adopt an ele at Sheldrick's, you can visit in the evening when they return to the stockades, rather than at noon with all the other tourists. You'll see all kinds of suggestions of gifts for the keepers (socks, blankets, etc.) but cash is the most welcome gift!

I'm traveling solo on a similar itinerary with the following in August but most likely a week earlier than you -

7-8 Nairobi Fairview
9-10 Amboselli Tortilis
11-12 OlPejeta Porini Rhino Camp
13-14 Masai Mara Kichwa Tembo
15-16 Masai Mara Porini Lion Camp
17th 5pm flight to Nairobi and late flight back to reality arriving JFK on the 18th.

I second everyone's opinion about Porini (or Kicheche) over Sweetwaters, I first looked at Sweetwaters, however after reading many reviews and considering Porini's guides, philosophy and how they give back to the community with responsible tourism, I'm so glad I choose the Porini Rhino Camp over the larger Sweetwaters camp. I've heard Kicheche is also very good and I believe you'll have a more authentic experience at either of these two camps. Enjoy!

Sorry to hijack this thread, but we seem to have similar taste and are heading in the same direction in mid July. We are debating whether to add Porini Rhino to our itinerary. We are going in late July and currently have 6 nights in the Mara because we want to see the migration:

1-2 Nairobi(location TBD)
3-4 Amboseli Porini
5-6-7 Lion Porini
8-9 Sala's Camp (nearest to migration in July, also near a rhino reserve)

Has anyone been to Porini Rhino? Are we making a mistake by not squeezing it in?

Thanks all---appreciate all your suggestions/advice.

I really like the idea of supporting the women's self-help organizations, so will make it a point to visit these suggested places. Is it safe to assume that our travel guide will be able to take us around, or is that something we have to do on our own?

Have not looked into camps other than Sweetwaters, since it was felt that a space would open up for us there. Good to know there are other places to look into. How about the cost of Porini, Kicheche and/or Ol Pejeta Safari Camp in comparison to Sweetwaters?

As far as adopting an ele, is that something I would have to arrange ahead of time? And if so, how do I do that?

I realize these types of questions have been answered probably many,many times--but it's hard to absorb this information until it applies to the game plan.

You guys are awesome!!!!