Author Topic: Travel booking genuises needed  (Read 2039 times)

I'm a red panda

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Travel booking genuises needed
« on: March 11, 2019, 04:02:09 PM »
Can anyone help me figure out how to book a rate that I found on Google matrix ATA that isn't showing up when I search airlines.

The rate is flights split between United and Lufthansa. my sister's travel agent (who my sister said charges no fees) was able to locate it but because we aren't booking a full package with her (the hotel through her was significantly more expensive) she charges $50 per ticket fee. I think it's a good enough rate that it's worth paying the fee, but if you can help me find it or if you know of a fee free travel agent that I can use I would love to do that instead (Don't they usually get airline commission?)

Thanks for your help

secondcor521

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Re: Travel booking genuises needed
« Reply #1 on: March 11, 2019, 05:46:43 PM »
Not a genius, but you could try reading the suggestions at this web page - search for "Ghosting":

https://scottscheapflights.com/guides/how-to-use-google-flights

May work, may not.

reeshau

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Re: Travel booking genuises needed
« Reply #2 on: March 12, 2019, 10:30:05 AM »
I would expect this combo would be easy to find on the airlines' own website, as they are alliance partners.  United will have their own flight numbers for a Lufthansa flight, but in the flight details you can see a little "operated by Lufthansa" on it.  Another giveaway is a very high flight number, usually between 7000 and 9000.

Also, check both airlines' websites for the same flights (the numbers will be different, but check by schedule)  The flight costs can be very different.

FI45RE

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Re: Travel booking genuises needed
« Reply #3 on: March 12, 2019, 10:31:49 AM »
Happy to help you search. Recently encountered a similar scenario with ITA Matrix, but was finally able to locate the proper fare cost. Sometimes it takes some special routing that isn't immediately obvious on ITA.

PM me if you'd like...

I'm a red panda

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Re: Travel booking genuises needed
« Reply #4 on: March 12, 2019, 11:41:49 AM »
Thank you all for the help.
I was able to find this site: https://bookwithmatrix.com/
which identified how I could find the fare!

It was not available on the airline website - the same flights were nearly double.

FI45RE

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Re: Travel booking genuises needed
« Reply #5 on: March 12, 2019, 01:30:49 PM »
Thank you all for the help.
I was able to find this site: https://bookwithmatrix.com/
which identified how I could find the fare!

It was not available on the airline website - the same flights were nearly double.

It probably gave you the "only available to travel agents" (or similar) line...That's not the best way to go about finding it. Typically, it will be available through an OTA, but if it's not, then it can be found on the airline's website, you just have to route the flight properly, assuming it's not phantom space. I assume you are looking at cash cost and not award...?

I'm a red panda

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Re: Travel booking genuises needed
« Reply #6 on: March 12, 2019, 02:30:49 PM »
Thank you all for the help.
I was able to find this site: https://bookwithmatrix.com/
which identified how I could find the fare!

It was not available on the airline website - the same flights were nearly double.

It probably gave you the "only available to travel agents" (or similar) line...That's not the best way to go about finding it. Typically, it will be available through an OTA, but if it's not, then it can be found on the airline's website, you just have to route the flight properly, assuming it's not phantom space. I assume you are looking at cash cost and not award...?

No, the website linked showed me a consolidator (is that the right word- like orbitz) I could book the flights, and I did. They are now in my airline app, so they were ticketed.

The same flight numbers were significantly more expensive through the airline directly.

I am looking at cash. I don't know how to search matrix ata by points. Is that a thing?

FI45RE

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Re: Travel booking genuises needed
« Reply #7 on: March 13, 2019, 10:04:13 AM »
Thank you all for the help.
I was able to find this site: https://bookwithmatrix.com/
which identified how I could find the fare!

It was not available on the airline website - the same flights were nearly double.

It probably gave you the "only available to travel agents" (or similar) line...That's not the best way to go about finding it. Typically, it will be available through an OTA, but if it's not, then it can be found on the airline's website, you just have to route the flight properly, assuming it's not phantom space. I assume you are looking at cash cost and not award...?

No, the website linked showed me a consolidator (is that the right word- like orbitz) I could book the flights, and I did. They are now in my airline app, so they were ticketed.

The same flight numbers were significantly more expensive through the airline directly.

I am looking at cash. I don't know how to search matrix ata by points. Is that a thing?

No, ITA Matrix only searches cash fares...just curious about award availability. Glad you got the tickets booked!

 

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