Best way to book?

[horseman]

G'day all, been a while since I've done any travel, we are looking at going Albury to Brussels to visit the missus family for Xmas, if funding permits, I'd live to continue round to Orlando on the way there or back. How would you a all recommend I find our best options in regard to flights, routing etc.? Considering trying out the local TA's, or are they a waste of time/money?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

G'day all, been a while since I've done any travel, we are looking at going Albury to Brussels to visit the missus family for Xmas, if funding permits, I'd live to continue round to Orlando on the way there or back. How would you a all recommend I find our best options in regard to flights, routing etc.? Considering trying out the local TA's, or are they a waste of time/money?

It can't hurt to keep ask your local TA. When they give you a quote you might be able to compare that to what you can find on line. Or vv (the agent may beat your quote).

I note Swiss Airlines have a round-world fare, sub $2000 which will allow travel to both Europe and America... except to Miami rather than orlando. Make you own way to LA to come home. A travel agent will help you with a fare like that. Details of the Swiss fare and many others are here... RoundAbout Travel :: Round the World Economy Class Airfare Deals from OneWorld, Star Alliance and More!

Christmas time is more expensive, so cheaper if you have flexibility to leave a little earlier.

 

[horseman]

Thank you very much

 

[RooFlyer]

In respect of Travel Agents (of which I am a fan) ask them to quote the fares based on several scenarios, for instance a) cheapest, b) best itinerary (eg good connections, maybe via places you might want to stop-over in) and c) any particular airline deals going where you might be able to maybe squeeze up to a better cabin. Don't just let them give you one itinerary/price saying "this is the best one for you".

Also, ask the TA to make clear if the fares they are quoting are 'pay immediately' type, or if you can book now and pay, say within 30 days of travel - you might even specify one type or the other.

One of the drawbacks with using TAs is that they can open up very many options unless you instruct them tightly - do you have an airline alliance (OneWorld, Star Alliance) preference; do you mind or want to avoid flights leaving (say) between midnight and 6am (I do!); do you mind or want the ability to do additional stop-overs; do you mind back-tracking a bit to get a lower fare?

 

[serfty]

Maybe put a request in on the flight search assistance forum here ...http://www.australianfrequentflyer....LEASE READ BEFORE POSTING IN THIS FORUM ****