Thespian Posted February 11, 2011 Report Share Posted February 11, 2011 I had read that Priceline was no longer a promising option for airfare deals, but decided to give it a try after reading about the "infinite rebid" strategy. I started with dates of 3/20-3/25 and entered a bid of $200 ($230 all-in). Immediately Priceline urged me to raise my bid "substantially." As with hotels, I suspected that they would accept a bid lower than they implied, but I didn't want to spend hours on this, so I revised my bid to $210 ($240 all-in) before committing, figuring it would still be too low and I'd have to rebid.Instead of an outright rejection, I got a screen that said that my bid wasn't accepted, but that if I could live with one of a number of changes to my parameters (list supplied), I could have my ticket for X dollars. One possibility: if I could switch my dates to 3/21-3/26, I could get it for $230 ($260 all-in). Well, those were the dates I'd started shopping with (before trying Priceline), and they still worked for me, so I bit. Lo and behold, I got great flight times on Virgin America (840a-1220p, 735a-415p) - an itinerary I'd seen openly priced at $319. I didn't get 40% off, or even 30%, but I did save almost $60. I'm paying less than I did a year ago... I'm happy.Used the BetterBidding link to PRICELINE, of course. Link to comment
thereuare Posted February 11, 2011 Report Share Posted February 11, 2011 Congratulations on your success!I wouldn't say that PRICELINE is not a promising option for airfare, but the deals are far and fewer between, and the discounts not nearly as great as we typically see on hotels.Glad to see you're happy with the results and the flight times work well for your itinerary... are these non-stop flights or what city to you connect in?Thank you for sharing your win and using the PRICELINE links on the board to begin your bidding.Have a great trip! Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases Link to comment
Thespian Posted February 11, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 11, 2011 They're nonstops... I was pleasantly surprised. I don't mind connecting flights, as they give me a chance to stretch my legs, but I was concerned that I might get either a three-hour layover or barely enough time to make my second flight. Link to comment
thereuare Posted February 11, 2011 Report Share Posted February 11, 2011 PRICELINE airfare routes would be 'regularly scheduled' service, so there should be enough time to make connections (based upon airline judgment of scheduling)Glad it worked out well... have a great trip. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases Link to comment
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