Cheapoair

Evans, Colorado
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243 posts
75 reviews
59 helpful votes
Cheapoair
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I am super close to booking my trip to the Galapagos. Why is it that I can find flights through American Airlines as far out as June 19th, 2014 on Cheapoair, but on the AA website the furthest out I can book is June 15th, 2014?

Also, when I use Cheapoair I find rates much more reasonable than on American Airlines' website. Is Cheapoair reliable? I've used it before, but for less complicated travel plans.

Thanks!

Watford, United...
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5,041 posts
11 reviews
28 helpful votes
1. Re: Cheapoair
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I'd book with Cheapoair - but only after my brain has been replaced with a turnip.

Search Cheapoair in the box above your post and read..... If you book after reading those threads you should immediately seek some kind of therapy.

Vancouver, Canada
Destination Expert
for London
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65,028 posts
12 reviews
92 helpful votes
2. Re: Cheapoair
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Some airlines allow bookings only 330 days in advance of travel dates. Given the changes that are to come with AA their GDS may not have fares loaded for travel past mid June of next year.

Since cheapoair.com often does not have real time access to an airline's GDS, booking now will mean plenty of headaches, as eventually you'll receive a notification from the company that the fare quoted was not available for purchase. That notice may be sent next month or two weeks before what you think is scheduled flight departure. After having received it, you'll be offered a ticket at the fare available on that day.

Book later, and book directly with AA.

Evans, Colorado
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243 posts
75 reviews
59 helpful votes
3. Re: Cheapoair
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What are the risks with Cheapo. If I buy the insurances aren't I fine? Won't they be able to find me a flight even if the one I book is cancelled? I am flexible with my dates.

Milford, Ohio
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3,096 posts
119 reviews
98 helpful votes
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Always book directly with the airline..... use the search function and read about the nightmares from people who actually booked with cheapoair.com! If you still choose to use cheapoair.com, revert to #1 and replace brain with turnip. Good Luck!

Evans, Colorado
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243 posts
75 reviews
59 helpful votes
5. Re: Cheapoair
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Well, this trip is far too important to run the risk. I will be stalking the airline sites to find the best fare...

I must say, however, that I used Cheapoair a few years ago for a trip to Spain and I had no issue. With a trip as convoluted as the Galapagos, I best not press my luck....lol

Portland, Oregon
Destination Expert
for Air Travel
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37,406 posts
7 reviews
16 helpful votes
6. Re: Cheapoair
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John, do a search on cheapoair and you'll see exactly what's wrong with them (and many other third party bookers). But, just to spell it out -

1) You do a search and cheapo returns a "fantastic" fare that's not available from the airline*** (say $150 cheaper).

2) You book it, giving them your credit card and handing them your money.

3) 1-2 days later you get an email from cheapo saying that fare isn't available any more and please send them another $300 so they can book a fare that is.

4) You say no thanks, cheapo (who has your original money) takes ages and ages to return it to you.

*** - In your case, cheapo is showing a "fantastic" fare when the airline hasn't even released its fares. Hasn't that started alarm bells ringing?

Edit - See you've made the right decision. Good.

Edited: 7 years ago
Watford, United...
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5,041 posts
11 reviews
28 helpful votes
7. Re: Cheapoair
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John P - Well done, but please do read some of those threads.

Be patient regarding booking your flights so far in advance. Fares will probably be the most expensive when they are first released.

Iowa
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10,757 posts
34 reviews
34 helpful votes
8. Re: Cheapoair
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Congratulations for being one of the few who actually ask questions about a company before throwing money at them. Cheapoair has a terrible reputation and should be avoided regardless of the low price bait.

Chicago, Illinois
Destination Expert
for Chicago
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21,705 posts
124 reviews
78 helpful votes
9. Re: Cheapoair
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Also you've got almost a year. Plenty of time to monitor fares, see what they typically are, and buy tickets later when you see a sale.

Evans, Colorado
Level Contributor
243 posts
75 reviews
59 helpful votes
10. Re: Cheapoair
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Can I expect large variations in price throughout the year? Are they generally more expensive in June than they are in March or April? Seeing that we are so far out from my desired flight time I am having trouble finding what are "average prices." I am comparing prices for months that aren't when I plan to travel. Do I just have to wait and see "average June prices" or can I be confident that they won't vary much from March-June?

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