Can someone explain what ITA software is? I assume you have to purchase it. If so, is it supposed to be superior to all the free search engines we can use online? Specifically if you need to search for cheap airfares to Italy, is it supposed to be better than Kayak, Vayama, Bing, etc.?

Thanks.

Use ITA for free. It's a very comprehensive search engine - the best I know of. Once you find the flights you want, buy your tickets at Orbitz or wherever.

It is the best. Is now owned by Google and is a free download. I have used it for years---you cannot book with it but who cares---I book direct with the airline and sometimes have to coach the agent about the right fare coding that I get with my ITA quote. Kayak is also good.

ITA is actually the "engine" behind a number of online travel agency websites, e.g. Orbitz. It also provides most of the content on Kayak.

http://www.itasoftware.com/about/customers.html

Ita is not a booking website like Kayak, etc. although it's the software behind many of those sites. Started by some MIT alums. I often find cheaper flights through ITA than Kayak Explore finds.

You can search multiple cities at once, but sometimes if you enter too many it won't pull all the flights. You can also search by city and specific airline (useful if you only want to fly one certain airline to earn points, etc.). Once you find your flight, then you book directly on the airline's website.

>>>Once you find the flights you want, buy your tickets at Orbitz or wherever.<<<

I never buy from a third party as it can add a layer of aggravation if anything goes wrong (canceled flights, etc.). I've always been able to book flights I find on ITA with the airline.