Farelock remorse
Oct 24, 2012, 1:36 pm
#16
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: New York, NY
Programs: United Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 281
Oct 24, 2012, 3:17 pm
#18
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: West Coast
Programs: UA 1K 2MM, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 264
Oct 24, 2012, 3:26 pm
#19
Moderator, Omni, Omni/PR, Omni/Games, FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Between DCA and IAD
Programs: UA 1K MM; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 67,136
24 hours after you ticket, though, I believe. Thus, you can fare lock for 3 days, decide to book on day 3, and assuming ticketing happens promptly (within a few minutes of booking), have until day 4 to cancel without penalty. You can't get back the FareLock fee itself even within 24 hours, but you should have 24 hours after you decide to buy a FareLocked booking to refund without penalty.
Oct 24, 2012, 3:54 pm
#20
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: JZRO
Posts: 9,169
I have twice used a 7-day farelock. In fact, I have one active right now, with three days to go. In the previous instance, circumstances drove me to let the farelock expire. Circumstances again will probably lead to my letting this one expire. But I don't mind; I like the option.
RNE, it's well worth the paltry sum.
RNE, it's well worth the paltry sum.
Oct 24, 2012, 3:59 pm
#21
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: SJC, SFO
Programs: UA, AA, SPG
Posts: 439
How do you guys know when to use FareLock (those who use it selectively)? I know some fare-monitoring websites can give you general price trends, but unless it's $200 vs $800, it's hard for me to know when I should lock in a "good" fare...
Oct 24, 2012, 4:08 pm
#22
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: JZRO
Posts: 9,169
RNE, not very.
Oct 24, 2012, 4:49 pm
#23
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Close to the beach
Programs: AA EP, UA 1K, DL GM, Tumlare Bussresor Super Class
Posts: 6,974
Oct 24, 2012, 5:02 pm
#24
Moderator, Omni, Omni/PR, Omni/Games, FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Between DCA and IAD
Programs: UA 1K MM; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 67,136
If I have a trip for which I need to confirm a few details still (such as if I can get the time off, or if it works for my wife), but for which I see a good fare, I will FareLock it. I have been stung too many other times (e.g. the next day, the fare has gone up $100) and like having that option now.
Oct 24, 2012, 5:18 pm
#26
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: JZRO
Posts: 9,169
That's great if you can settle all ancillary arrangements within 24 hours. But the 24-hour cancellation rule is not at issue herein, Farelock is. It's for people who need a few days to do what you "always" do in one.
Oct 24, 2012, 6:41 pm
#27
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton GLD, Marriott Plat, NEXUS/GE
Posts: 2,872
Yes, if you pay online (or have status and do it at a ticket office), there is no fee.
Holding/booking (with the intent to refund if need be) is the only way to reliably book fares that you know will not be long for the world.
Holding/booking (with the intent to refund if need be) is the only way to reliably book fares that you know will not be long for the world.
Oct 24, 2012, 9:13 pm
#28
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP, UA Platinum, Alaksa MVP 75K, Air Berlin Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,389
Oct 24, 2012, 9:21 pm
#29
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 232
If I have a trip for which I need to confirm a few details still (such as if I can get the time off, or if it works for my wife), but for which I see a good fare, I will FareLock it. I have been stung too many other times (e.g. the next day, the fare has gone up $100) and like having that option now.