If I only had time for one search it would probably be on either of the following two sites:
OR
www.kayak.com
One company. Two websites.
A Brief Introduction to Travel Search Engines
Travel Search Engines are websites that search hundreds other travel websites, compares results, organizes results, and presents them in a easy to view format. They don’t actually sell the tickets, they will pass you along to the website where you will ultimately book your trip.
Advantages of Travel Search Engines
- Searches hundreds of websites in just one search
- Has search restrictions that can limit your search to things such a flights only at certain times of the day, number of flight stops
- Has a 3 day before and 3 day after options on searches
- FareTracker™. Tell the system where you want to go, when you want to go and they will email you the cheapest flights every day or once a week depending on your preference.
- The modify search key allows you a fast turn around to research a slight modification to your itinerary. Many sites make you go right back to the start and re-enter information.
- Allows you to compare sites with any extra searches (in a different window). These sites include: Hotwire.com, Expedia.com, Priceline.com, Travelocity.com, and airfare.com. Be careful to only select the sites you want to compare or you will have windows popping up all over the place.
Disadvantages:
- Not all airlines and agencies are included. The biggest missing airlines is Southwest.
- Unable to find your fare – at times you will try to book from sidestep, be forwarded to the actual account, and the fare is no longer available.
- Can only search by number of travelers and this does not allow you to specify children. Thus, when you go to make you actual purchase from a website you will need to manually backtrack and add children if you itinerary includes children.
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