Priceline airfare bidding questions??

[lifeischange]

I am new to this forum and priceline airfare bidding and had a couple of questions. I have to make an emergency trip to Louisiana and Jackson Ms or Alexandria La are the closest major airports. the qouted price for this trip (oak to jan rt) is 521 + tax. I don't care what time I fly or how long a layover as long as I get there before wednesday (father is having surgery). I plan on returning 3/2/10, again it doesnt matter the flight times etc on that flight either. I have read many posts and I think I have it figured out how to rebid using my multiple airports of origination (oakland, san francisco, or san jose) but what is a reasonable starting point for this trip. I was going to start at 300 and just keep going up from there.

???

1. Is 300 a reasonable starting bid for this ticket in these economic times?

2. Would it be better to bid on a one way ticket....and is that even possible?

3. What increments should I increase my bidding?

4. What is the average savings using the bidding process? Is it worth the headache?

Please if anyone can respond as quickly as possible as I will have to start the bidding this evening and I only have today to do this so I can fly tuesday. Thanks for all help in advance. :)

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

1. Is 300 a reasonable starting bid for this ticket in these economic times?

Deals are often hard to come by on airfare, but i would sooner start at $250 and go up from there.

2. Would it be better to bid on a one way ticket....and is that even possible?

You can't bid on a one-way ticket with PRICELINE

3. What increments should I increase my bidding?

$10-$25... higher increments at the low end of your bidding range, lower increments as your bid amounts increase and become more realistic

4. What is the average savings using the bidding process? Is it worth the headache?

I don't think an average is an appropriate measure in this instance as some people can save 50% or more... while others bid up to the amount of a 'retail' flight and are still turned away. Whether it's worth the 'headache' or not depends upon how much time you have to place the bids... if you're successful early in your bidding you'll likely have found it to be worthwhile; if it takes many bids, and if the savings are small and/or you still don't succeed bidding near retail rates, how 'upset' would you be in that you could have done something else during this time?

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. (there is a direct airfare link in my signature)

Good luck and let us know how it goes or if we can be of further help... good luck with your dad's surgery.