Social Anxiety Support

BeNice · 10-25-2009, 09:11 AM

I've never bought a plane ticket before and am looking for the best deal.

Banzai · 10-25-2009, 09:26 AM

Try finding one of those small travel agencies - they sometimes have cheaper deals than others.

Or, just for convenience and simplicity, online.

Johnny_Genome · 10-25-2009, 09:35 AM

kayak.com

Amocholes · 10-25-2009, 09:44 AM

I just booked a vacation to Hawaii through Travelocity. A week on Maui with airfare, resort hotel and a rental car was less than $1600.

BeNice · 10-25-2009, 10:53 AM

So far it looks like Priceline is giving me the best deals. I'm searching round trips from Newark NJ to San Francisco.

Kelly · 10-25-2009, 11:16 AM

cheaptickets.com

Have a nice day,
Kelly

inna sense · 10-25-2009, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeNice

I'm searching round trips from Newark NJ to San Francisco.

i cant help you out but that sounds like fun

BeNice · 10-25-2009, 02:53 PM

I want to stay with my friend and escape the worst part of the New Jersey cold, between early January and mid March.

WineKitty · 10-25-2009, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny_Genome

kayak.com

I strongly recommend them as well. I do a fair amount of traveling.

Leaving NJ in March, returning in May, the general consensus seems to be around 300.

You have to constantly check and check the airline websites themselves. Prices change constantly.

You also might find a cheaper flight if you fly out of LaGuardia or JFK.

WineKitty · 10-25-2009, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeNice

So far it looks like Priceline is giving me the best deals. I'm searching round trips from Newark NJ to San Francisco.

Be careful with Priceline.

Sheri · 10-25-2009, 07:03 PM

Yeah, avoid Priceline.

I personally like Expedia and Orbitz, and have gotten good deals in the past through them.

Amocholes, where are you staying in Maui? I went there in February and stayed in Lahaina. Very lovely there.

slaughter in the vatican · 10-25-2009, 07:24 PM

If you're going from New Jersey to San Francisco, I would seriously consider Amtrack. I took that route once and it goes through some of the most gorgeous scenery in the country.

You go through the Rocky Mountains and also the desert in Utah and Nevada. Places where there are no highways. It's really beautiful scenery, plus it's actually easy to sleep on a train. That way it moves just kind of rocks you to sleep. And you'll save money by taking the train. Just something to consider.

WineKitty · 10-25-2009, 09:17 PM

BeNice has already done the Amtrack/California Zephyr, if I am not mistaken.

tvgirl48 · 10-25-2009, 10:47 PM

I've always used Orbitz. I used them this summer when I went to the UK and I found a good price for my journey. No complaints here.

Amocholes · 10-26-2009, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sheri

Amocholes, where are you staying in Maui? I went there in February and stayed in Lahaina. Very lovely there.

Kihei on the west. Any suggestions for things to do or to avoid?

BeNice · 10-26-2009, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slaughter in the vatican

If you're going from New Jersey to San Francisco, I would seriously consider Amtrack. I took that route once and it goes through some of the most gorgeous scenery in the country.

You go through the Rocky Mountains and also the desert in Utah and Nevada. Places where there are no highways. It's really beautiful scenery, plus it's actually easy to sleep on a train. That way it moves just kind of rocks you to sleep. And you'll save money by taking the train. Just something to consider.

Yeah, I'm still slightly considering that. As Penny mentioned, I've done that before. It costs more and you actually end up spending more on top of that unless you pack tons of food. Eventually you cave in and start buying $5-6 Amtrak Budweisers.

BeNice · 10-26-2009, 06:22 AM

I am now just learning that you can't avoid checked baggage fees. WTF? So, for a round trip, I'm not going to be able to avoid getting close to $300. Everything costs too friggin' much.

WineKitty · 10-26-2009, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeNice

I am now just learning that you can't avoid checked baggage fees. WTF? So, for a round trip, I'm not going to be able to avoid getting close to $300. Everything costs too friggin' much.

If you fly southwest out of Laguardia, they are the only airline I know of that doesnt charge checked bag fees.

ALL airlines have tons of hidden fees and taxes.

I dont know if flying out of LaGuardia is realistic for you? Having never been to the NY/NJ area I have no clue how far it really is, although on a map doesnt look too bad. But with traffic etc it could be a total pain in the ***.

I face a similiar situation trying to fly into Southern California. While there are 3 airports to consider, the one that is the most convenient costs more. Flying is great when you are flying into major airports but the smaller the airport, the more you pay.

BeNice · 10-26-2009, 01:45 PM

It makes more sense to leave from Newark since I can take the train right to it. I can take the train to Laguardia but it's just more commuting and I would rather keep it as simple as possible. I'm actually still not sure if I will be taking the train to the airport or getting a ride.

Yeah, I am hoping they don't add on all kinds of crazy fees. I've never flown by myself before and haven't been on a plane since I was 14. I'm very unaware of the whole process. I just kind of show up with my bags, they check them and then they take care of stuff, right? What about my backpack? Will they even let me bring that on or does everything have to be a certain size now? I don't even need to bring anything on the plane but I would like to keep my most important stuff right on me in my backpack just in case my suitcase happens to get lost.

WineKitty · 10-26-2009, 01:53 PM

When you book your ticket you usually have an option to say how many bags you are checking. With some airlines if your bag is too big when you show up at the airport, they will charge you even more than it would have cost when you booked it. Allegiant airlines is a great example of this.

Quote:

What are your baggage fees?
When purchased at time of booking, a fee between $15 and $20 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second checked bag will apply per person, per segment. If purchased at flight check-in, $35 for first checked bag and an additional $35 for second checked bag will apply per person, per segment. In all cases additional higher fees will apply for three or more checked bags. Bags that are "Gate Checked" will incur a $35.00 fee.

So know your airlines baggage restrictions. 9" H x 14" W x 22" D. is a pretty standard size. Most airlines will have a container at the gate fitted to that size and if your carry on cannot fit they will charge you so be careful.

All liquids/gels in a single size quart bag with none of the containers exceeding 3 oz. Have shoes off before you go through X-ray. I am getting to be an old pro at this!!

10-25-2009, 09:11 AM	#1 (permalink)
BeNice Status: SAS Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Coastal New Jersey Posts: 6,832	Where do you go for plane tickets? I've never bought a plane ticket before and am looking for the best deal. __________________ Market capitalism can co-opt virtually any low-cost alternative and sell it right back at ridiculous prices. -Joe Bageant http://www.joebageant.com/joe/2007/0...eat-ameri.html

10-25-2009, 09:26 AM	#2 (permalink)
Banzai Status: SAS Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: UK Posts: 916	Try finding one of those small travel agencies - they sometimes have cheaper deals than others. Or, just for convenience and simplicity, online. __________________ When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bike. Then I realised that The Lord doesn't work that way, so I stole one and asked him to forgive me. -- Emo Philips

10-25-2009, 09:44 AM	#4 (permalink)
Amocholes Status: Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Hello my freaky darlings! Gender: Male Age: 49 Posts: 12,599	I just booked a vacation to Hawaii through Travelocity. A week on Maui with airfare, resort hotel and a rental car was less than $1600. __________________ In the kingdom of the blind, the one legged man is king.

10-25-2009, 10:53 AM	#5 (permalink)
BeNice Status: SAS Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Coastal New Jersey Posts: 6,832	So far it looks like Priceline is giving me the best deals. I'm searching round trips from Newark NJ to San Francisco. __________________ Market capitalism can co-opt virtually any low-cost alternative and sell it right back at ridiculous prices. -Joe Bageant http://www.joebageant.com/joe/2007/0...eat-ameri.html

10-25-2009, 11:16 AM	#6 (permalink)
Kelly Status: One More Thin Gypsy Thief Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Mainz, Deutschland Age: 32 Posts: 6,461	cheaptickets.com Have a nice day, Kelly __________________ Maybe I'll live my whole life just gettin' by. Maybe I'll be discovered. Maybe I'll be colonized. You can try to train me like a pet. You can try to teach me to behave. But I'll tell you if I haven't learned it yet, I ain't gonna sit. I ain't gonna stay.

10-25-2009, 09:35 AM	#3 (permalink)
Johnny_Genome Status: I am, etc. Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: LA Gender: Male Age: 31 Posts: 1,264	kayak.com

10-25-2009, 02:53 PM	#8 (permalink)
BeNice Status: SAS Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Coastal New Jersey Posts: 6,832	I want to stay with my friend and escape the worst part of the New Jersey cold, between early January and mid March. __________________ Market capitalism can co-opt virtually any low-cost alternative and sell it right back at ridiculous prices. -Joe Bageant http://www.joebageant.com/joe/2007/0...eat-ameri.html

10-25-2009, 07:03 PM	#11 (permalink)
Sheri Status: Dowager Princess Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Alaska Gender: Female Age: 26 Posts: 2,701	Yeah, avoid Priceline. I personally like Expedia and Orbitz, and have gotten good deals in the past through them. Amocholes, where are you staying in Maui? I went there in February and stayed in Lahaina. Very lovely there. __________________ I drink your milkshake.

10-25-2009, 07:24 PM	#12 (permalink)
slaughter in the vatican Status: SAS Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Nowhere Gender: Male Posts: 57	If you're going from New Jersey to San Francisco, I would seriously consider Amtrack. I took that route once and it goes through some of the most gorgeous scenery in the country. You go through the Rocky Mountains and also the desert in Utah and Nevada. Places where there are no highways. It's really beautiful scenery, plus it's actually easy to sleep on a train. That way it moves just kind of rocks you to sleep. And you'll save money by taking the train. Just something to consider. __________________ "Now you live in the trees and salty seas, trippin' out in the blue sky..."

10-25-2009, 09:17 PM	#13 (permalink)
WineKitty Status: Almost 10,000 Posts :) Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Alone Inside My Mind Gender: Female Posts: 9,968	BeNice has already done the Amtrack/California Zephyr, if I am not mistaken. __________________ "The more I know about people, the better I like my dog." - Mark Twain

10-25-2009, 10:47 PM	#14 (permalink)
tvgirl48 Status: SAS Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Ohio Gender: Female Posts: 213	I've always used Orbitz. I used them this summer when I went to the UK and I found a good price for my journey. No complaints here. __________________ -"Do you have a dream for your life? Your future? Yes?" -"Of course. Do you?" -"It might sound weird. I want to someday be content. Just...feel comfortable, like everyone else. I want..." -"...a normal life." - Dexter

10-26-2009, 06:22 AM	#17 (permalink)
BeNice Status: SAS Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Coastal New Jersey Posts: 6,832	I am now just learning that you can't avoid checked baggage fees. WTF? So, for a round trip, I'm not going to be able to avoid getting close to $300. Everything costs too friggin' much. __________________ Market capitalism can co-opt virtually any low-cost alternative and sell it right back at ridiculous prices. -Joe Bageant http://www.joebageant.com/joe/2007/0...eat-ameri.html

10-26-2009, 01:45 PM	#19 (permalink)
BeNice Status: SAS Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Coastal New Jersey Posts: 6,832	It makes more sense to leave from Newark since I can take the train right to it. I can take the train to Laguardia but it's just more commuting and I would rather keep it as simple as possible. I'm actually still not sure if I will be taking the train to the airport or getting a ride. Yeah, I am hoping they don't add on all kinds of crazy fees. I've never flown by myself before and haven't been on a plane since I was 14. I'm very unaware of the whole process. I just kind of show up with my bags, they check them and then they take care of stuff, right? What about my backpack? Will they even let me bring that on or does everything have to be a certain size now? I don't even need to bring anything on the plane but I would like to keep my most important stuff right on me in my backpack just in case my suitcase happens to get lost. __________________ Market capitalism can co-opt virtually any low-cost alternative and sell it right back at ridiculous prices. -Joe Bageant http://www.joebageant.com/joe/2007/0...eat-ameri.html