Best Online Provider of Flights?

Having seen Expedia get a lot of bad press on here for the quality of their service (upgrade nightmare thread), who do you recommend for making bookings through when not doing so direct with virgin?

Thanks,

Viz.

I have used Opodo a number of times without trouble, also American Express travel (though not sure if you need to be a card member or not).

[Neil]

Why do you not want to go direct with the airline? I have always found the price to be the best (or very close) and you get better service as you are dealing direct with the people who will provide your service.

Neil:)

Not always true Neil.

I have got a "cash" fare from Amex before that was better than the best miles plus money I could get direct from Virgin.

Also if you want connections onto different airlines, it pays to shop around and use agents rather than booking direct with airlines.

Irrespective of the reasons for direct or indirect booking, I'd just like people's views on which is the best on-line provider, so I have the best chance of booking some travel with the least hassle.

Thanks.

[Neil]

The more info people know about what type of flights you are looking to book the better they will be able to help you. As stated above, for direct flights I always find the airline direct the best, but as PVGSLF has mentioned if its connecting flights with different airlines then a company like lastminute.com might be more useful to suggest to you. A lot of people on here use different companies for different reasons but without much info they might recommend a company/site that isn't suitable.

Neil:)

I have used expedia and airline network,no problems at all.

Even though I was the OP of the "Upgrade Nightmare" thread, I do have to give Expedia credit for past flights I've done with them.

As long as you don't need to change ANYTHING after booking they are fine. However I always book my flights on VA direct now to claim miles.

Airline-Network are pretty good as well.

Expedia and travelselect have always worked fine for me. (UK Versions)

Before VS got their act together with their prices on - line I used to use Airline Network, Ebookers, and Opodo without any problems.

Airline Network would be my 1st choice as their customer service is great.

[RichardMannion]

Its a difficult question to answer - all have their bad press.

Expedia is a much more mature system, and I find it very clear but I detest the booking/admin fee they now impose. Good for doing research, but then normally go direct to the airline to book.

Don't forget you can use traveljungle.co.uk to scour the various providers for best price on various travel components.

Thanks,
Richard

[ChuckC]

There is also http://www.kayak.comthat is getting some good reviews here.

Chuck-

I've used eBookers & Trailfinders in the past with no problems whatsoever. eBookers make you pay in full at the time of booking (as do VS) but with Trailfinders you can pay just a deposit at the time of booking & the balance 10 weeks prior to departure.

I use expedia all the time and I have always find it works well.

The reason I often use expedia instead of VS directly is that for e tickets on VS the credit card holder needs to be present at check in or one of the travellers. Expedia does not require this so I can book tickets for staff.