don't you just hate it... (reservations, airlines, best, price)

[k374]

...when the fares go down by 50% after you already booked your tickets
I booked a domestic flight in India 2 wks ago, now the Govt. of India has forced airlines there to remove their fuel surcharges (which they were still hanging onto) so the fares dropped 50%...it hurts!

[caligurltotx]

Which airline? Cause can't you get refunded the difference if the fares change within so many days. Check into that. Or maybe intl airlines don't have that policy?

[k374]

Originally Posted by caligurltotx

Which airline? Cause can't you get refunded the difference if the fares change within so many days. Check into that. Or maybe intl airlines don't have that policy?

unfortunately not, i'm afraid. oh well! Always got burned for booking early. Not sure why so many people insist the best deals are got from booking in advance, I have always paid top price by booking early and still do it for some reason, habit I suppose...in the future I will wait until 2-3 weeks before departure and then book.

[Samrai309]

Originally Posted by caligurltotx

Which airline? Cause can't you get refunded the difference if the fares change within so many days. Check into that. Or maybe intl airlines don't have that policy?

Even domestic airlines can stick it to you on this. They have made their rules regarding reservations stricter. In other words less wiggle room. My experience has been they usually have it set up where the change fee is so high now to make changes to your airfare reservation that it becomes a wash when you compare it to airfare price you are trying to change it to. You wind up paying either way. Its all about timing. I always try to book in my comfort zone. Be happy with the price you book and never look at it again. It just makes you angry.

[BlueWillowPlate]

Originally Posted by Samrai309

Even domestic airlines can stick it to you on this. They have made their rules regarding reservations stricter. In other words less wiggle room. My experience has been they usually have it set up where the change fee is so high now to make changes to your airfare reservation that it becomes a wash when you compare it to airfare price you are trying to change it to. You wind up paying either way. Its all about timing. I always try to book in my comfort zone. Be happy with the price you book and never look at it again. It just makes you angry.

Good advice.
The trade-off is the peace of mind of knowing you have your tickets and a decent deal (at least it is for me.)