Booking flights

Google Flights or Skyscanner

quote:

---

Remember, the best time to book a flight is when you are certain you will fly. That is because most airlines offer refunds or credits if the price drops from when you book it. If it goes up, well you eat that cost.

---

Is this really a thing? I've booked tons of flights and never heard of getting a refund

That's usually only true if you book a more expensive fare or if the airline changes the flight time for you

Yea Southwest used to be the best about it. I don't think they offer it for basic anymore since they changed everything

quote:

---

never heard of getting a refund

---

As with any contract, there's always a catch. Some years ago, I had to fly to Philadelphia, and it was sort of last minute. So I booked the flight. A few days later, the fare that I paid dropped a substantial amount...like $367, IIRC. So I called the airline, and the customer service lady was "more than happy to get me a credit." So after all the minutia, she asks where do I want the $17 credited? Huh? "Oh yes, sir, we have a $350 change fee". My reply was, so you really DON'T have a low fare guarantee? I mean, if you're keeping the money anyway....

I did proceed to argue just for the principle of it, then decided I didn't want the ticket cancelled, so I let it go. But I did tell the agent I'd never fly her airline again. Turns out I was right, it was US Air.