I'm not a Priceline expert, but since I've seen several complaints I'll post the success I've had. I've been watching the Chicago O'Hare to Albany fares for a few weeks for a December 8-11 trip. The nonstops have been between $220-$240 roundtrip. connections with a one stop about
$180 to 200. I was hoping that the nonstops would come down but they haven't. I've used several services such as hotwire who offered
"mystery times" for about $170 after fees, with a connection.

So basically no deals on nonstops. I went to Priceline and put a bid in for $110 + fees. I had to agree to a connection possibility. Well my bid was accepted and I got a nonstop each way too. I purchased two tickets so my total came too $257.90. If I would have bought the ticlets on Yahoo travel my total would have been $494. So I saved about 48%.

I've used Priceline 4 times. I've saved over 40% each time. I've got non-stops 3 of the four times. I got an hour layover the other time.

Maybe I've just been lucky or take a lucky route - Chicago to Albany. I'll add that one of the times I took United right after their strike, so maybe people were nervous about United. I just got an American flight today, and maybe people are nervous about American, I don't know.

Keep in mind that you can get an early flight out or evening flight with priceline, you won't know until you agree to the ticket. If you're not flexible you may be disappointed your vacation got shortened or lengthened by almost two days, if you get an early and late flight or visa versa.

Maybe I've been lucky. Thought I'd just add my experience.

Oops. I was wrong, I got a United 737 flight this time, not American Airlines.

I had a NINE hour layover in Detroit when I used Priceline (all to save $30). Never again unless I get a HUGE discount.

Check around for airfares as they change daily. I tried last week to get a New Orleans-Chicago roundtrip which didn't involve a Saturday stayover. I bid as high as $195 (including the taxes, fees, etc.) and didn't get the flights. I finally found a $220 airfare on Continental's website which allowed me to choose my flights.

There is no way priceline stuck anyone with a 9 hour flight. It had to be an airline problem.

Sorry meant 9 hour layover.

I had a bad experience as well, they double charged my cc and when I called to straighten it out, it was a bloody nightmare! I heard they may be going under, National and Alamo filed for bankruptcty, American Hawaii went under, as well as Renaissance. I don't know what kind of protection there is w/priceline. Sure you can reverse the charge, but then you'll have no ticket, and have to purchase another at a much higher cost.

It is against Priceline's Rules to give you a 9 hour layover... there must have been an airline problem which delayed your connecting flight, which has an equally likely chance of happening when you book directly with the airline (but with the airline you have the option of selecting a flight with no connections).

re: layover. the airline cancelled the connecting flight IN ADVANCE but because I'd booked with Priceline I had no recourse. They would not allow me to stand by either.

I use Priceline for hotels when I'm in a city where I don't care too much about where I stay, i.e. New York. I don't use them for cities like Key West or San Antonio when I want to pick something with local character.

I don't use the service for airline tickets as the prices haven't been that great in my personal experiences.

Adam,

I can't say too much since i don't know all the circumstances surrounding your trip/cancelled flight, but as with most other travelers, you need to learn more about your rights. Purchasing your tickets thru Priceline gives you all the same rights as other passengers in the event of cancellations/delays. Do a search on the internet for "Rule 240."

thereuare, I appreciate your comments but I tried using the ol' Rule 240 with Delta. They didn't budge.

Regardless of what Priceline's quoted policies may be, if an airline wants to make your life miserable they can. It was a terrible experience and I don't want to do it again. For an extra $50, I could have been at my destination hours earlier!

Glad to hear of your success! Unfortunately, I'm still waiting for a $4,000+ credit back to my credit card through priceline.com since September when there was a glitch in their system. They swear I'll get it but this has been a looooooong time.