Due to bad relations, only two airlines serve Seoul-Tapei (Cathay and Thai). Called some local travel agents with my dates and was quoted prices around 450,000 won, or roughly 350 bucks. Travelocity was much better at 323,000 won on CX, and 400,000 won on Thai, which I preferred for the mileage. I checked Thai's website and successfully booked and confirmed my flights for 323,000 won, the same price as CX, and all was fine, just pick up and pay for the ticket within 72 hours at my local Thai office.

But when I arrived Monday afternoon to get my ticket, they at first refused to give it to me at that fare, making excuses like, "the internet fare was wrong", "the fare has changed since you booked it on Friday", "the fare is only confirmed once you pay for your ticket", etc., etc. I asked if I could access their website, and printed up my CONFIRMED itinerary and price (yes, the word 'confirm' was noted throughout), as well as the fare rules. I was consistantly polite the the staff and manager, but I wasn't going to give in. When I finally had the proof in my hand, they relented.

Next time I get a relatively cheap webfare (after all, this wasn't some erroneous $10 fare), I won't just rely on my reservation number, I'll print up all the necessary related information, such as confirmed prices and fare rules.

My experience in the US wrth US carriers twith every type of web booking is that fares are not guaranteed till paid - the REZ can be confirmed but not the fare...