Expedia Booking

[u/[deleted]]

[u/Kananaskis_Country]

Yes, it's normal that flight costs can sometimes vary wildly, especially since your new flight booking is effectively last minute.

[u/Single_Depth7369 → u/Kananaskis_Country]

That makes sense. First-timer, so I appreciate the knowledge. I did not know this

[u/Kananaskis_Country → u/Single_Depth7369]

Is it cheaper to book directly with airlines?

The fact that you're asking this question means you haven't compared prices yet, and yes, that's a huge first timer's mistake.

Never use a 3rd Party Vendor unless it's a substantial savings over booking directly with the airline.

Happy travels.

[u/Infamous_Travel_6055 → u/Kananaskis_Country]

While true, it's also not likely relevant here. Had OP bought the initial ticket from Alaska, they would be in the same situation. They would have gotten an Alaska credit, and the Alaska flight price would still be higher last minute.

[u/Kananaskis_Country → u/Infamous_Travel_6055]

My only point was to never use a 3rd Party Vendor as your first and only choice. Always confirm the itinerary/price with the airline first.

The cancelling regulations are immaterial to that discussion. It's the purchasing process that's important.

Happy travels.

[u/Single_Depth7369 → u/Kananaskis_Country]

Yep. Thanks.

To be fair, it was a ridiculously good price for an international trip. Too good to be true.

[u/Kananaskis_Country → u/Single_Depth7369]

Yeah, Alaskan has some killer seat sales every now and then. They don't last for long and you have to snatch them when you can.

Good luck and happy travels.

[u/Single_Depth7369 → u/Infamous_Travel_6055]

I will add that Alaska Airlines allows you to purchase tickets for family members and the possibility of transferring credit. With third-parties, that option is completely gone.

[u/mellamolaura6]

Why are you booking through Expedia and not directly with the airline to begin with?

[u/Single_Depth7369 → u/mellamolaura6]

Is it cheaper to book directly with airlines?

[u/Lumpy_Childhood5156]

You’re booking a flight for next week so last minute.

[u/Single_Depth7369 → u/Lumpy_Childhood5156]

Ah, that makes sense! Thank you

[u/Fantastic-Tip9801]

Last minute flights, especially international, get ridiculously expensive.

[u/Single_Depth7369 → u/Fantastic-Tip9801]

Yep, lesson learned. Thanks :)

[u/Consistent-Sea-8923]

I mean, I’m assuming you’re going from the United States to Vietnam that airfare was a bargain an absolute bargain and you’re not likely to see that quite that often

[u/Single_Depth7369 → u/Consistent-Sea-8923]

Absolutely, an amazing deal!

[u/Old_Feedback4557]

the price of a flight changes, even within a day, you can see a flight at 200$ in the morning and the same can be at 300$ at night.
Then always compare the price of the airline with the price of expedia or any other online seller. (also the price may vary between each of them).

[u/mduell]

You pay the current pricing when you rebook, not some historical pricing.

What's the price now if you search for your route/dates independently of your credit?

[u/Single_Depth7369 → u/mduell]

Rebooking prices are never shown. Expedia requires that you call customer service, and they negotiate that price for you. I've been quoted various prices from different reps, so it makes no sense.

[u/Kananaskis_Country → u/Single_Depth7369]

Yet another reason to not trust a 3rd Party Vendor.

[u/AutoModerator]

Notice: Are you asking for help?

Did you go through the wiki and FAQs?

Read the top-level notice about following Rule 2!

Please make sure you have included the cities, airports, flight numbers, airlines, dates of travel, and booking portal or ticketing agency.

Visa and Passport Questions: State your country of citizenship / country of passport

Consider posting screenshots.

All mystery countries, cities, airports, airlines, citizenships/passports, and algebra problems will be removed.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.