Online Travel Booking and Bidding Agencies - Price differences between Orbitz and Airline sites

I am looking into flights from DTW to TXL departing between December 16th and December 20 returning January 9. Using Kayak I find Air France flight 375 connecting to Air France 2034 departing on December 20 with Air France 1435 connecting to Air France 378 for the January 9 return. A link to Orbitz says the total price is $817.50, while a link to Air France lists the price as $1,028.50. What causes such large differences? It seems I should clearly book with Orbitz, but I want to know if there is something else to consider before I do.

Cancellations, price changes, change fees, what if the airline changes the schedule, etc.?

Oftentimes, the airline website sells out certain fare codes before their travel vendors... ie. Orbitz. So, what you found is not surprising.

Know that most airlines will not "touch" a ticket until you start your flight. So, if you have any cancellations, schedule changes or other problems, you will most likely have to deal with Orbitz.com until you take the first flight.

Personally, that is the main reason I try to always book on the airine site.

I certainly am more comfortable booking direct with the airlines. Is there anyway to get the airline to price match or come substantially closer to the price I get on Orbitz?

I certainly am more comfortable booking direct with the airlines. Is there anyway to get the airline to price match or come substantially closer to the price I get on Orbitz?

Although booking directly is definitly the safest way to travel, I have never had a problem dealing with orbitz.https://tipgnome.com/images/smile6.gif

I just want to caution you that Delta has changed their status with AF, and for certain flights (i believe is economy class L) you do not get credit for the flight. I booked on AF website because was cheaper with $100 than Delta, then for some reason, I read the Delta fine print and I am not sure if I can get mileage credit with AF. I've been flying delta/af for more thant 15 years to Europe and never had a problem until now.

And here is the small-print from Delta's website. I am v. upset about this.

4Air France:
Mileage may be earned on Air France-coded flights operated by Air France or any SkyTeam partner. Mileage credit is not applicable for fares booked in A, L, N, O, G, or X class, for Air France travel via boat/ferry service, Part Dieu Railway Service, or for flights to/from Havana, Cuba.

Is there a similar change in mile awards for NWA? I have booked through NWA for two tickets that return on AF codeshares.

Unfortunately, I have never heard of an airline matching a fare on a 3rd party website.

I certainly am more comfortable booking direct with the airlines. Is there anyway to get the airline to price match or come substantially closer to the price I get on Orbitz?

Is there a similar change in mile awards for NWA? I have booked through NWA for two tickets that return on AF codeshares.

If you booked through the NWA website it should be ok. I had mine booked on the AF website.