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

[GDSman]

Flights nearly always direct with airline unless I'm looking for something quirky like a mixed class ticket using an offline carrier, as they don't always load those fares into ATPCo. Hotel revenue management in Aus can be terrible and cheaper prices can be found using an OTA. I've had a lot of good deals from QF Hotels including upgrades, free breakfasts etc - I always do a compare and contrast between hotel site, QF and perhaps another.

 

[sopHia42]

thanks everyone

 

[kookaburra75]

Its usually a condition of being advertised on the big sites that hotels can't publically advertise a lower rate. Properties cant afford to not be on the expedias etc even though the sites take a chunky cut.

That's true. But, if you call the hotel direct and ask for the best rate, or have something special added, they do have some flexibility to offer something special.

 

[Flyerwin]

I usually book direct for both flights (QF/VA) and hotels (ALL) as I have status with them. Or use Airbnb. Haven't figured out going through Qantas for Airbnb yet - intriguing.

 

[burneracc]

Another edge case is amex travel. The IAP they offer can make booking flights via them cheaper than direct sometimes.

 

[Ansett Nostalgic]

I always book direct, the only times I don't are to use credits on Qantas Hotels or Amex Travel. And on occasion for a non-chain hotel if I find it cheaper on hotels.com or another site I will use that.