We looked at numerous travel sites and found that a couple of them were $400-$500 less than anything our TA could quote us. I actually brought my printout from Travelocity and the TA can't match the price, so does anybody have opinions on using Travelocity(etc) over a TA? I feel anxious/concerned about using the "travel websites" because we've never used one before. Should I be concerned? Thanks for your advice !!

Usually if we see a price we like on Travelocity or Cheaptickets, we go to the specific airline's site and buy there. The prices don't last very long sometimes, so perhaps the few seats they were offering at the lower price were sold by the time you got to the travel agent. I've been told that the wee hours of Tuesday mornings are a good time to check for cheap tickets. Good luck!

Have been using Orbitz, Travelocity, and Expedia since they have been around. Have had no real problems, just bought tickets on-line for the 5th time this year. No problems.

I got a good deal on Travelocity using two different airlines to get from the midwest to Key West in November. Then one of the airlines changed their flight times, which totally screwed up the itinerary. In fact, it sort of made it impossible to get there in one day. Travelocity argued with me about a refund, but in the end, I got a full refund and ended up booking directly with American Airlines (but for more money). '

I've also used them for hotels and never had any problems.

I haven't used a travel agent here in the states for many years. Sometimes I use local ones when I travel to a new place.

I should have been more specific about the $400-$500 savings using Travelocity, the price was for a vacation package(flight, hotel, transfers, taxes). I'm guessing that contacting the airline can only get me air tickets. I'm surprised that Funjet, Apple Vacations etc. won't "match" prices. Thanks for your input !!

Usually, the individual airline /hotel/tour folks have better deals, but not always.
Hot Design Suites Bariloche at end of Oct. was $107. at Expedia vs. $135.+ tax at the Hot and other discount sites.
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The airline sites often also offer vacation packages so you might try the airline site also.

I like most of the other responders generally will go direct to the airline. But sometimes travelocity or orbitz has the best price. I have never had a problem going through Travelocity.

I would go for it.

I believe Funjet will match prices for identical packages.

According to our TA, neither Funjet or Apple Vacations would match our "package price" from Travelocity. I gave the printout to our TA and she called both places and told us "their" package price was between $400-$500 more for a week.

I don't thin Funjet or Apple are any more or less reliable than travelocity. I would book before the rate disappears.

As someone who used to be a travel agent back in the old days before Travelocity (and an ex-Funjet employee),I can tell you that Funjet has never matched prices. If they become aware of a competitor price out there, they may have a sale the next week but by then the price on Travelocity will be gone. After calling my travel agent recently wanting to book a package to Puerto Vallarta, I ended up confirming it on Travelocity & Orbitz because the price were much lower. This has been the third year in a row that I've done this and I've never had any problems with my itinerary when traveling.

I'm a TA. I've had Funjet match prices for identical packages. There use to be a form for it but, now you just submit it electronically.