How does this work? I know it sounds stupid. BUT I am trying to purchase London to Edinburgh plane tickets tonight. I know the exchange rate, but am wondering if i use my VISA do I get a better exchange rate?? Anyone know??

Yes you get a better rate than at the money changers. But since you are buying on line how else can you purchase . The tickets only cost a few # + tax anyway. Sounds like the decision is already made for you unless you are standing at the ticket counter. Maybe I don't understand your question.

Chris:
Sorry to confuse you. I just want to make sure i don't end up with a ticket I thought would be 50GBP (80 USD)that becomes 120 USD on my VISA charge. Get what i am saying???

Whatever the exchange rate on the day of purchase is plus few points for the banks.
Have a great trip!

Uh - no. You buy the ticket in whatever currency the site uses (some give you the option, but usually if you are buying on a UK site you will be charged GBP). Then when you get your credit card statement the charge will list the GBP amount and then on the next line what the converted US$ amount was.

So you will charge GBP and pay $ when you pay your bill. Don't worry - these type of transactions are very straightforward.

Janis,
The exchange rate is applied on the day of purchase, not on the day you pay your bill. I don't know what kind of a card you use, but please don't throw useless info around, as if it was the final word.

Janis,
Sorry, I misread your post. You basically said the same thing I did.
Sorry

Not to confuse things any more, but its been my experience that you don't necessarily get the exchange rate of the day you would purchase that ticket. Its been my experience that they use the exchange rate from the day the transaction posts to your account. I know that it is a minor point, but its something to be aware of. Has anyone else seen this?

I've also found recently that many airline sites in the UK charge for using a credit card. It's usually only a few pounds, but I find it annoying.

We purchased our tickets last night, as the sale ends on evening of the 9th. We figured it meant the 9th England time, so we did it. And yes they did charge a 4GBP fee for the VISA. Oh well. We still got a good rate. Thanks!!