So Captain Kirk tells me I can name my own price. I’ve half a mind to put that loud mouthed shill to the test.
Going rate from DC to Granada is about $1000 on Priceline in late October. If I name my own price what do I offer? Can I lowball them to like $250 for my dates (I’m flexible on the times)? How does this work? Is there a clever strategy I need to use to maximize my chances but minimize the cost?
Thanks all. 
Used them once.
Yes, we saved a fair amount of money, but we really did not like the booking. You have absolutely no control over the flight, other than to say I want to start in X on Date1 in the morning and arrive in Y, then return on Date 2.
We flew Houston to Las Vegas. Priceline routed us through Denver and our connecting flight was cancelled because of snow. We sat in Denver for 8 hours until we could find seats on another flight.
Next time, we’ll pay the money and forgo the headache.
We use priceline for hotels.
“4 star, Midtown Manhattan, $100”. Ding!
Haven’t used them for flights, though. It seems like if you’re flexible in departing, then it’s good. I prefer to just go through travelocity and get it over with, though. So I can’t speak for their airline business, but, as for the reputability, I think they’re fine.
Funny travelocity story: I was just booking flights to Hawaii. They were $800. Halfway through the process, a message pops up, “that price is no longer available. click here to continue”. I clicked, and the new price was $610. That’s a lot of pineapple.
Used them once, several years ago - they booked my ticket, but didn’t bother to email and tell me that until 3 weeks later (at which time I’d already bought my ticket elsewhere) and then refused to give a refund. Never used them again.
Yes, Michigan Avenue 4 star Hotel $85 a night. DING! (you can limit the search area to a certain location… even upgraded us from our 3 star request).
The next-lowest “non-auction” price for “The Loop” for those dates were $190 per night.
Works great if you understand how to use it (and its “limitations”)…
Yes, Michigan Avenue 4 star Hotel $85 a night. DING! (you can limit the search area to a certain location… even upgraded us from our 3 star request).
The next-lowest “non-auction” price for “The Loop” for those dates were $190 per night.
Works great if you understand how to use it (and its “limitations”)…
Forgot to mention this was Chicago.
I have used them once for an airline. Basically how it worked, I’m not sure about now, is that I lowballed what I was willing to pay and if they thought it was too low, they gave a counter offer of the minimum they would accept for the flight and I guess if it’s agreeable you can book it.
I generally don’t have the flexibility to use them for air travel (plus I hate connecting flights - direct only, please) but I use them every other week for hotels.
Go to this site first and see if there are any tips for you.
Used them once for a hotel booking on the recommendation of a friend. Had to pay up front, hotel stay turned into a right royal nightmare. Never used them again.
We’ve had better luck with Hotwire, at least as far as hotel and car rental goes. Haven’t used Hotwire for airline tickets, though, so maybe some Dopers who have can give you the scoop on that.
I think my mom has used it for nearly every plane ticket she’s ever bought. The times and connections will likely be crazy if you use it. Mom tends to go for price over convenience, then gripe about it endlessly afterward.