Airline Ticket Advice Needed

[Kathy B]

I need to make reservations for DH to fly to DC for a conference. The rest of us will drive out to meet him. When he returns, DD will accompany him on the plane, and DS and I will drive back. (She has a class starting, and she doesn't want to miss the first few days). What would be the best way to make these reservations and get a good price?

I basically need one round trip ticket, and a one way return ticket, and of course they need to return together. I haven't made airline reservations for a LONGGGGGG time. Don't travel agencies charge fees now? Expensive? Would we necessarily get a good deal?

I tried looking online at Fly4less.com, but you had to select EITHER one way OR round trip, so I don't think it will work very well to try to schedule their
return flight. But maybe it would? Also, DH said there are some kind of rules about one way tickets for minors. Can I even make her an online reservation? I feel a little out of my realm here. Help? :confused:

[funnybone]

I could be wrong, but you're probably best to get two round trip tickets as one-way's are usually more expensive (or used to be). You can do the research online and find out which is more cost effective. I usually check the airline I want to fly with FIRST for flight info and costs, and then I check the others, along with the major sites such as expedia and travelocity. I haven't booked anything with a travel agency in about 10 years.

[funnybone]

About one way tickets - the last time I flew out on a one-way ticket, we were moving to IL from PA and the kids and I were flagged and our luggage was searched. It was post 9-11, and it turns out that we took the same flight a couple of times previously, while house hunting, but each time had a return ticket. The one-way raised flags to the airliine. It was no big deal as we didn't look like terrorists, but it is embarrasing when they go through all your personal stuff.

[aggie94]

One-way tickets will almost always raise red flags and subject you to more searches. That's been my experience too.

Also, although one-ways are generally not a good "buy" in terms of price in comparison to round-trips, the airline tickets you purchase are a "contract," in the sense that you agree to fly round-trip between two cities in exchange for the airline offering you a particular price. If you don't complete the round-trip travel, the airline *can* flag you so that the next time you try to purchase a ticket from them, they make you pay back the difference between what you saved on the round-trip booking before you can fly with them again. I don't know if they actually enforce that rule or not, but that is the policy of most/all airlines.

I have never had a problem booking one-way tickets for minors online (generally on Southwest Airlines). In your situation, you can still book online - book the round-trip first, then the one-way on the same return flight. Or, if you know what airline you want to use, just call them directly and book through their agents. That way you can guarantee they'll both be on the same flight before you purchase either ticket.

[slknight]

Also, although one-ways are generally not a good "buy" in terms of price in comparison to round-trips, the airline tickets you purchase are a "contract," in the sense that you agree to fly round-trip between two cities in exchange for the airline offering you a particular price. If you don't complete the round-trip travel, the airline *can* flag you so that the next time you try to purchase a ticket from them, they make you pay back the difference between what you saved on the round-trip booking before you can fly with them again.

I would also be careful, because I *think* that if you buy a round-trip ticket and don't use the first leg (ex Missouri to DC), they can deny you from boarding the second leg (the return trip).

[Canice]

I would also be careful, because I *think* that if you buy a round-trip ticket and don't use the first leg (ex Missouri to DC), they can deny you from boarding the second leg (the return trip).

Yes, that's absolutely true. Happened to DBF when he had to change his departure at the last minute - they said the entire ticket would be nullified. That same trip required him to buy a one-way ticket from LA to Toronto, and boy did HE have fun in security that day.
Eva, aren't *all* tickets on Southwest one-way? I would think that would make a difference.

I'd choose my airline and flights and call the airline directly. I usually book that way anyhow.

[tbb113]

I think you are right...so if you do decide to do a round trip, make sure it is the reverse of your husbands.

Personally, I would call the airline directly to ensure that they are on the same flight.

[aggie94]

Eva, aren't *all* tickets on Southwest one-way? I would think that would make a difference.

Yes, true, you purchase a round-trip as two one-ways, but I think there is some difference, because I've had different flight selections and availability when I choose round-trip versus one-way for the same leg. But yes, the minor tickets I've purchased online have been on Southwest, so that might not be representative of all airlines, but I've never had any problems.

And Susan makes a good point - if you buy the round-trip ticket intending to only board the second half, there is a good chance you'll be denied boarding. Same with connecting flights - you can't board midway through your flight schedule.

[Kathy B]

OK, thanks so much for the input. I think I will follow the suggestion of choosing the airline and calling them directly.

I was pretty sure it was not advisable to buy DD a round trip ticket and only use half of it. And DH gets flagged often enough as it is without making it worse by having "suspicious" tickets. :rolleyes:

[green1]

I travel weekly for work and do all the booking on my own. Book directly with the airlines. I always use their web sites. I have used Orbitz and the other so-called WEB travel companies. They have many restrictions if you have to change or cancel your flight.
Good luck.

[Casey1230]

JetBlue sells 'one way' tickets also. Don't know if they are in your area tho.