Which online TA for fares you can't book direct?

[Cynicor]

Just wondering what online TAs people like for fares that they can't, for various reasons, book direct with the airline.

This came up with a Thai fare recently, and again today with a JAL fare.

Easily found on Kayak or ITA matrix but the JAL site won't have a bar of it and will not offer the flights up.

I dislike Webjet (and Zuji) and bestflights on principle. (hidden fees, percieved poor practices)
I won't book through Flight Centre and STA (dodgy, past experiences, distrust)

But there's not much left...

I like expedia but they sell some fares as non refundable when they should be (according to fare rules), and don't always have the best price so I'd like a few to choose from.

Your thoughts?

 

[kpc]

I have used expedia a bit with no problems to date...also have used Zuji with no issues. Having said that, I have not tried to cancel bookings!

 

[Cynicor]

Never had issues with expedia, but prior to booking a thai J fare it warned me that it was non-refundable, so i booked elsewhere. I'd just like a few options as with Zuji now owned by webjet (IIRC), I have only the one site!

 

[Traveller1955]

I recently booked two return Sydney to Munich tickets thru Bestflights and had to cancel one. Not a problem. Received the refund less non refundable deposit plus cancel fee within 4 weeks of notification. Well done Bestflights Amy Stevens!!!!!

 

[drron]

Doesn't really have to be online.I just email my TA what I want.she books it and emails the e ticket back.Takes me less time than if using an online agent.

 

[Cynicor]

I like the ability to book my fares at odd hours though, and having one less person in the chain for my simple fares.
I have booked through travel DOT com DOT au now and will see how they go.
I much prefer direct where possible but sometimes it just cannot be done.

 

[markis10]

I like the ability to book my fares at odd hours though, and having one less person in the chain for my simple fares.
I have booked through travel DOT com DOT au now and will see how they go.
I much prefer direct where possible but sometimes it just cannot be done.

Otherwise known as wotif.com

 

[Cynicor]

I did not know that. Well there you go. They were the only site that offered the itinerary in AU.

 

[MelUser]

Doesn't really have to be online.I just email my TA what I want.she books it and emails the e ticket back.Takes me less time than if using an online agent.

THis is what I do too and she is completely transparent with me about what airlines will take amex direct and what airlines she has to pay via her (trust) account and then bill my amex with surcharge.

Also, my TA will refund for free if fare rules allow or whatever fare rules say without doing the Bestflights(frights?)/Flight (fright?) centre approach of adding their own cancellation charges which can be a large multiple of what airline actually charges.