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[wakingdream]

So loads of US online travel agencies, in attempt to promote their businesses, cut their booking fees outs.

Here's an article from the Calgary Herald about it;

Online Travel Agencies Consider Extending Cuts To Booking Fees Indefinitely

U.S. online travel agencies, hungry for business in an economic recession, may extend or make permanent the booking fee cuts and waivers they implemented this year on a promotional basis.

Companies like Orbitz Worldwide and Expedia Inc. suspended or reduced some of their booking fees recently to spur demand during the peak summer travel season. The moves, which lag Priceline.com's airline booking fee waiver by nearly two years, were intended to be temporary. But experts think they could become permanent as the agencies compete for customers.

Industry leaders have hinted the same. Orbitz, Expedia and Travelocity waived airline booking fees as part of promotions that extend through May. Orbitz and Expedia also temporarily cut hotel booking fees. Priceline eliminated fees for published-price airline bookings in 2007 and reduced fees for published-price hotel bookings in 2008.

[semi-backpacker]

Even with the fees slashed, I noticed an interesting trend for the last two international tickets I bought. I found the price on Orbitz or Kayak.com and then went to the web site of the airline with the cheapest fair and found an even cheaper fair directly with the airline! From now on, I will always double check the airline website before booking with an online travel site.

[wakingdream]

Even with the fees slashed, I noticed an interesting trend for the last two international tickets I bought. I found the price on Orbitz or Kayak.com and then went to the web site of the airline with the cheapest fair and found an even cheaper fair directly with the airline! From now on, I will always double check the airline website before booking with an online travel site.

Really? Wow. I would presume you'd get a better deal through Orbitz. Whoa. I will always check too from now on, just in case!

[semi-backpacker]

That's what I used to think! It's happened to me with both US Airways and Continental Airlines.

[polydemic]

I heard in the local news, in my area too, that airlines are reducing prices but also the number of flights per day & the size of the planes.