Do you prefer booking directly or via third-party sites?

[sopHia42]

Hi everyone,
when you plan your travels, do you usually book flights and hotels directly with the airline/hotel, or do you go through third-party sites?
I’m curious which option you find more reliable and cost-effective.

 

[Steady]

Welcome aboard @sopHia42

I book flights direct and accommodation usually through a 3rd party (but direct if I have status)

 

[sopHia42]

Welcome aboard @sopHia42

I book flights direct and accommodation usually through a 3rd party (but direct if I have status)

Can you be more specific on how to do that?

 

[Steady]

Can you be more specific on how to do that?

How to book flights direct- go to www.qantas.com.au or www.virgin.com.au etc search for the flight you want and book it

How to book accommodation through a 3rd party- go to ShopBack and check for best deal, check TopCashback for same, go to highest % cashback offering (could be booking/wotif/hotels/expedia/lastminute etc) follow link, search for accommodation then book it….

 

[sopHia42]

How to book flights direct- go to www.qantas.com.au or www.virgin.com.au etc search for the flight you want and book it

How to book accommodation through a 3rd party- go to ShopBack and check for best deal, check TopCashback for same, go to highest % cashback offering (could be booking/wotif/hotels/expedia/lastminute etc) follow link, search for accommodation then book it….

thanks so much

 

[AIRwin]

www.virgin.com.au

virginaustralia.com

 

[Dmac59]

Welcome aboard @sopHia42
I always book direct with airlines.
I do the same with accommodation providers as most will usually guarantee the best rate compared to 3rd parties.
Rental cars I'm happy to book where I get the best rate.

 

[drron]

A warm welcome @sopHia42 . I book hotels through their websites as I have significant status at 2 and points to keep at 2 others.
Airlines through their websites but my flights now are mostly awards usually through AA as I still have lots of points there.

 

[prozac]

Welcome to AFF @sopHia42.
What they said. Usually book hotels direct. One Mantra I stay at a bit I email the manager and ask for a preferred rate. He obliges. Hotels are keen to get business away from 3rd party sites when they can.