How to find flights and book fare to Italy

[Ennoh]

I want to take my family for Christmas in Italy. The best flight for us would be a return flight from Perth to Rome although really Milan would be fine too - or any other city in Italy if its any cheaper.
Ive never used a travel agent before - and as all I want to buy are flights - I figure I may as well book them online.
I am thinking of leaving in early to mid december and then return earl to mid january. Ive started looking at webjet and flight centre to see what airlines show up and to get an idea of fares - is this where I should be starting? I dont know what airlines fly from Perth to Italy so it seems to be trial and error or otherwise find out from websites like webjet and flightcentre.
Are the fares going to be the same as if I went direct to the relevant airline on their website?
Am I going about this the right way - if anyone has some suggestions please let me know. I will be booking 7 fares so I want to get out of this with as least cost as possible

 

[Dawn1004]

Does bestflights.com.au help out?

Have fun on your family holiday, sounds fantastic.

Edit to say:

I think Emirates flies Perth to Milan.

 

[Awesom Andy]

To go Perth -> Milan, you can also try Singapore Airlines, Thai, and Air Mauritius. For Rome, there are even more choices, including Malaysia Airlines, Cathay, etc.

 

[loobloke]

Best flights is useful because it lists all the specials in one spot without having to individually trawl through different sites. Easy to compare.
If you have time and patience take your time looking at fares, deals pop up all the time.

UK and Europe - Cheap Flights - Phone Flights Results

Otherwise use another site and the flexible date option, like zuji to compare a range of dates.

Good luck

 

[Ennoh]

Thanks! your advice has been really helpful - had never heard of Bestflights before but that's a ripper - showed up cheaper options that flightcentre and webjet didn't. It also breaks up the trip into sections and combines the best value flights for each leg to add up to an overall cheaper flight. Now, is it a reputable site that I don't do my dough on - do I book through the bestflights site or decided on the ariline there and go directly to the airline's site and book there?

 

[loobloke]

Booking online is fine with them.

However if you are nervous, take it to a local TA and have them match the price.

 

[Ennoh]

Ive never used a travel agent before - dont they add on a fee if I book a flight through them? I thought that the consumer paid them for the service - but does the airline do this?

 

[RB]

Thanks! your advice has been really helpful - had never heard of Bestflights before but that's a ripper - showed up cheaper options that flightcentre and webjet didn't. It also breaks up the trip into sections and combines the best value flights for each leg to add up to an overall cheaper flight. Now, is it a reputable site that I don't do my dough on - do I book through the bestflights site or decided on the ariline there and go directly to the airline's site and book there?

If booking with Bestflights make sure you are aware of charges for changes/cancellations-same for all sites I guess. I tend to use those sites to get background & then go to the airline site to book.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

However if you are nervous, take it to a local TA and have them match the price.

Ive never used a travel agent before - dont they add on a fee if I book a flight through them?

Print out the Best Flights itinerary and price you like and trot down to FC or whatever TA you like - tell them match it and we got a deal.

I have booked several flights through BF and never had a problem.

 

[odysseus]

Thanks! your advice has been really helpful - had never heard of Bestflights before but that's a ripper - showed up cheaper options that flightcentre and webjet didn't. It also breaks up the trip into sections and combines the best value flights for each leg to add up to an overall cheaper flight. Now, is it a reputable site that I don't do my dough on - do I book through the bestflights site or decided on the ariline there and go directly to the airline's site and book there?

Personal experience was bestflights had very high cancellation fees, plus when I contacted them about other travel options their service was poor. As they're new to you, I suggest you check some others out for comparison.

One other thing as you're looking for cheaper options, Christmas is peak season. If you can move your departure date to earlier in December (exact date varies by airline, but say first week) you'll probably find it's cheaper. Worthwhile checking anyway.

 

[Bolthead]

I always use skyscanner.net to get a feeling of what's out there. Don't forget to also look at other European destinations besides Italian cities and then use LCC to hope into Italy. We recently use Vueling and found them fantastic

 

[ellen10]

I find Best Flights a good site to get a good range of airfares and airlines. But sometimes a particular deal does not always pan out when actually trying to book it. Its also good to see how full a flight is and what seating combinations are available.

I would check out Best Flights and then visit a couple of Travel Agents and see what their best deal is. With 7 fares they may be quite competitive and if they are, good to use for unexpected circumstances as they can follow up any problems, changes etc.

But I agree Christmas is a very busy time so start booking now.
Happy holidays!

 

[Ennoh]

Thanks Ellen - but how does the travel agent get paid? Does he whack on a commission on top of his best fare?

 

[ellen10]

Whatever the Travel Agent quotes is their price, no adding on a commission later. (already built in price)
Travel Agents are in a wholesale buying group so different Travel Agents get "better rates" on certain airlines.

I am travelling to Europe this month for 6 weeks. I have booked all my accommodation, trains, cars etc myself. But I opted to book my flight with a TA (only costed $20 more) because I could pick my seats early with no extra charge and they are a better back up if things go haywire with flights e.g. more contactable. This is in my experience.

 

[rechoboam]

It's all about contact. I would hate to have a problem and have to wait on a call centre for a web agent. I would either use a trusted travel agent who will look after me, or go with the airline. If the latter, perhaps the telephone wait will be long but at least the airport desk should be able to help. Matrix ita by google is better for flight searches than bestflights etc. Get their app too.