wtggirl

Actually, if you are comparing apples to apples...that means same flights, times AND class of service AND at the same time of course- published rates are the same with any search engine such as expedia or with the airline direct. It is very complicated, but the only reason you would get a different rate is because prices change very quickly mostly due to availability. Let's say you need 4 seats and Delta has the cheapest which you find on expedia. If you go over to Delta and immediately get the same flights it may be more expensive if you ask for fours seats rather than when you checked only one with expedia. That is because the cheapest class of service may only have less than four seats. OR, you waited hours and the availability changed. Remember apples-apples means exactly the same flights and itinerary. Lastly, if you are wanting a hotel as well then a package should be checked because then you are getting BULK rates. These are negotiated rates with tour vendors and are sometimes cheaper depending on if there is a published air sale at the time. I wrote a reply above that I usually check the search engine and then book directly with the airline to avoid fees. I just wanted to explain why the rates may be different with one versus another.

enjoylife

I have all the airlines e-mail me their specials. Tuesday is the best time to check as it is when the airfares change.
I generally check Travelocity, Expedia,
and Orbitz and then book directly with the airline if the fare is the same.