Booking Airline Tickets on Non-Airline Sites (Expedia, Orbitz, etc)?

[wintersummer]

I've used these services before, but always booked the same airline for my outbound and return flights. My next trip works best using one airline (Delta) to get there and another airline (Northwest) to get home.

Have any of you used two different airlines on an Expedia-like ticket? Do you do online checkin? Would it be done for through the airline web site? Are there disadvantages of using two airlines for a trip? It just doesn't seem like it would work (using the two airlines) or could potentially cause problems, but since I've never done it, I need more experienced travelers to help me!

[misskitty100]

I don't see the disadvantages - wouldn't it just be 2 one way tickets?

[tulip255]

Usually round trip fares are the most economical. If you can get 2 one-way tickets at the price you want to pay, then I see no reason not to use 2 airlines.

[badunnin]

NWA and Delta are in the same alliance, and these may be codeshare flights.

[whocares]

Using different carriers for inbound and outbound flights works! I use Orbitz and Travelocity a lot and in most searches, they come up with the option for different carriers for separate legs of the trip. On Orbitz this option is called multiple carriers. Fares are competitive and you might be able to find the combination you are looking for.

Online checkin and boarding pass printing is done directly through the airline's website.

[tennisashoe]

www.kayak.com is a great place to check ticket prices
using the same airline for both parts of the flight is usually cheaper, but I'm sure you can split the ticket if it makes $ sense.

[Diane A.]

I agree that using Kayak.com (or Travelocity or Orbitz) is a good way to compare airfare and schedules between airlines, but I learned the hard way last year that it's usually slightly cheaper to book with the airline directly and if the fare decreases, many airlines will give you the difference toward your next purchase.