AA.com or Expedia.com
May 14, 2013, 4:50 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP 1MM
Posts: 119
AA.com or Expedia.com
I have booked my flights at AA.com for the last 8 years but might use Expedia going forward.
Is there any thing negative with booking at Expedia versus AA.com?
Thanks,
Rod
Is there any thing negative with booking at Expedia versus AA.com?
Thanks,
Rod
May 14, 2013, 4:53 pm
#2
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,659
I've found less expensive choices on Expedia in the past. However, Expedia won't let you mix and match fares like aa.com will, for example book outbound in business and inbound in coach.
May 14, 2013, 9:21 pm
#3
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AS, US, Hilton, BA, DL, SPG, AA, VS
Posts: 1,628
If you use Expedia (or any other OTA), if you have any problems pre-travel, you have to call Expedia, not AA. That's one more person you have to talk to, which means one more opportunity for something to get screwed up. I had a problem with a hotel reservation using an OTA, and it was a pain in the rear to get fixed. Ever since I've ALWAYS booked my travel directly with the airline/hotel, even if it's more expensive.
May 14, 2013, 9:29 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Dallas, TX USA
Posts: 2,118
had lower fares than Expedia and Orbitz on identical flights (usually "O" fares on aa.com for transatlantic flights that were not available on the other two). Even in the case of identical fares, I would much rather deal with AA agents than Expedia agents when schedule changes or other "hiccups" occur.
May 14, 2013, 9:36 pm
#5
Join Date: Sep 1999
Programs: AA EXP, SPG PLT, Hyatt DIA, Hilton GLD
Posts: 974
If you use Expedia (or any other OTA), if you have any problems pre-travel, you have to call Expedia, not AA. That's one more person you have to talk to, which means one more opportunity for something to get screwed up. I had a problem with a hotel reservation using an OTA, and it was a pain in the rear to get fixed. Ever since I've ALWAYS booked my travel directly with the airline/hotel, even if it's more expensive.
May 14, 2013, 10:01 pm
#6
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/SFO & ORD
Programs: LT Gold/BA Executive Club/AS MP/Marriott
Posts: 1,646
I used Expedia 2 weeks ago to book a flight on AA. It was actually cheaper than every other website by about 15%. Once I purchased the ticket, the reservation showed up on AA.com within a few minutes. I was able to choose my seats and request my upgrades (which I got).
It was probably the first time I used Expedia to purchase an airline ticket in about 10-12 years.
It was probably the first time I used Expedia to purchase an airline ticket in about 10-12 years.
May 14, 2013, 11:07 pm
#7
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: AAdvantage (Platinum)
Posts: 470
AA is like other airlines that guarantee they have the lowest fare. Looks like they match plus give a $50 credit.
AA match rules
Though I don't ever expect any of them to make good on their policy.
AA match rules
Though I don't ever expect any of them to make good on their policy.
May 14, 2013, 11:07 pm
#8
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador, AA EXP
Posts: 2,704
AA will happily help you with a non-AA purchased ticket.
http://www.aa.com/i18n/agency/Bookin...ternal_fee.jsp
There just might be a fee for those who aren't EXP depending on the circumstances.
http://www.aa.com/i18n/agency/Bookin...ternal_fee.jsp
There just might be a fee for those who aren't EXP depending on the circumstances.
May 15, 2013, 1:16 am
#9
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: San Diego
Programs: IHG Spire Amb, HH Diamond, DL Diamond and 1MM
Posts: 3,611
If you use Expedia (or any other OTA), if you have any problems pre-travel, you have to call Expedia, not AA. That's one more person you have to talk to, which means one more opportunity for something to get screwed up. I had a problem with a hotel reservation using an OTA, and it was a pain in the rear to get fixed. Ever since I've ALWAYS booked my travel directly with the airline/hotel, even if it's more expensive.
The exception is when you have to book a single ticket using two or more airlines who don't code share. Not a common occurrence.
May 15, 2013, 1:44 am
#10
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Signatures
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: London, England
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond Ambassador, National Exec, AA EXP Emeritus
Posts: 9,765
May 15, 2013, 8:51 am
#11
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: CharlesPoedyOB
Posts: 138
Orbitz usually has the lowest price for me but always check the airlines sites first. 
May 15, 2013, 9:11 am
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, BA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 33,535
AA is like other airlines that guarantee they have the lowest fare. Looks like they match plus give a $50 credit.
AA match rules
Though I don't ever expect any of them to make good on their policy.
AA match rules
Though I don't ever expect any of them to make good on their policy.
Cheers.
May 15, 2013, 9:16 pm
#13
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/SFO & ORD
Programs: LT Gold/BA Executive Club/AS MP/Marriott
Posts: 1,646
AA is like other airlines that guarantee they have the lowest fare. Looks like they match plus give a $50 credit.
AA match rules
Though I don't ever expect any of them to make good on their policy.
AA match rules
Though I don't ever expect any of them to make good on their policy.
I would not book airfare on Expedia or any other OTA when bookable on an airline website. For the same reasons as quoted above. If an airfare is published, it should be EXACTLY the same on the airline web site. If it non-published (consolidator), you get no miles. You lose either way!
The exception is when you have to book a single ticket using two or more airlines who don't code share. Not a common occurrence.
The exception is when you have to book a single ticket using two or more airlines who don't code share. Not a common occurrence.
May 16, 2013, 1:53 am
#14
Join Date: May 2013
Location: SJC
Programs: AA PLT / National EC
Posts: 44
May 16, 2013, 2:01 am
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Gold, Hyatt something
Posts: 33,539