In booking last-minute airfare this week I noticed some absolutely sketchy fees on Orbitz. Watch out for them.
First, let’s talk when you should book your airfare on Orbitz. Answer: as little as possible. Booking on Orbitz, an online travel agency, means that Orbitz has control of your airline ticket up until check-in. If you have to make changes to the reservation, you must go through Orbitz rather than the airline. That can often be painful. The Orbitz call center is offshore and many of the agents are poorly trained, albeit courteous. Simple date changes or even a 24-hour courtesy cancellation may take hours instead of minutes.
But sometimes it still makes sense.
A client needed a last-minute ticket to Florida and there were only a couple seats left on a JetBlue non-stop, the only direct flight. I wanted more time to find a better option, but I also did want to risk losing this space or seeing the price go up further.
Had I booked through JetBlue directly, because travel was within seven days, I would not be eligible for a 24-hour courtesy cancellation.
Consequently, for last-minute tickets on JetBlue or American (or on any carrier outside the USA), I will always book on Orbitz for the benefit of being able to cancel the ticket and because the Orbucks loyalty program seems to be the best loyalty program among the online travel agencies.
When booking the reservation, however, I noticed the price was a bit higher. It took me a moment to figure it out, but then I saw it–check out the “service fee” on the right side below–
That’s right, Orbitz wanted to charge me $21.99 for the pleasure of booking with them! No thanks.
Orbitz v. Expedia
Keep in mind that Expedia owns Orbitz. What shocked me was that the identical flights on Expedia did not carry the $21.99 booking fee.
Expedia also offers a 24-hour cooling off on all reservations. Thus, booking via Expedia was a no brainer.
I cannot explain why one nearly identical website from the same company charges a hefty service fee and the other does not, but when Orbitz calls their price the “best value” above, that is quite misleading.
CONCLUSION
Sometimes it makes sense to book via online travel agencies. But always check for hidden service fees and realize that even different fronts of the same company vary in what fees are assessed on bookings.
I last used them in 2014 for a flight to Spain on Aer Lingus, only to realize that at the time, the Orbitz customer service consisted of only an FAQ page. Luckily, I was able call the airline directly to change seat selection. I try to avoid Orbitz at all costs when booking airfare. I usually just book direct with the airline.
very useful post! thanks.
Interesting find – I just booked an international ticket via Orbitz yesterday, because their price was about half of what the airline direct was charging. And there was no booking fee for that itinerary on Orbitz!
It does not seem to be dependent on Orbitz vs Expedia, but on the flight or airline maybe?
Tried to book a flight on Expedia to San Diego and it never got confirmed or booked. We went through both Orbitz and the airline- Spirit- to no avail. Neither company could confirm our seats or confirmation. We gave them ever but of info we had. We ended up using cheapoair and will never use Expedia again.
While browsing, I was routed to this page.
@Matthew
It’s hidden if you don’t see it on the price summary and yet they charge you for the amount.
@Adrienne Strong
Not all airlines allow seat assignment. And it also depends on the fare you purchase. If you want lower fare then ticket is restrictive. Price and availability depends on the combination of your flight.
@ALL
I am a frequent traveler.
If we check for a flight, we just don’t check the last page how much is the total amount. We fill out the box for departing airport and destination. Putting our preferred departure and return date. How many passengers going etc. All we must do is check each detail. Seats, baggage, connection, time, departure time and arrival. Connection and how many hours you will be waiting for your next trip. Price of the ticket depends on your preferred time and date.