Originally Posted by
oneLnot2
I used 9588 and got a discounted fare from SHA - PEK, with no problems. I ended up saving at least $50. Got instant e-ticket number. I called Air China the next day to confirm and get a seat assignment, it was there and had no problems when I checked in at SHA for my flight. I was satisfied.
While I'm glad you didn't throw $50 towards the wind, I feel compelled to point out that very few travelers pay an extra $50 unnecessarily.
A notable exception to this rule is US-based travelers that book tickets on Expedia/Orbitz/Travelocity. Since these sites are not registered travel agents in China, they only have the ability to sell full fare tickets.
That having been said, very few people take the Expedia bait during this day and age because they know better. Chances are, even the TA in the fanciest hotel in town could have "saved" you the same $50, if not more.
What I'm suggesting is that while 9588 clearly helped you, the vast majority of other channels would have lead to the same result.