I was wondering on their Low Fare Guarantee.

I've just purchased a ticket using my miles. ewr-gla. I found that continentals fare was $365. On Smartfares, it was $355. Of course with taxes and fees continental was actaully cheaper.

My questions, does the low fare count the taxes and fees? I've read their Low Fare guarantee page and have found nothing about the total. Another question, if taxes and fees don't count, would I still be able to claim the lower fare? I'm thinking no, but doesn't hurt to ask.

Welcome to FT, ecq.

First rule of the LFG....you do have to actually purchase the ticket from CO.
I assume from your comment "..using my miles.." that you claimed an OnePass award EWR-GLA.

What's the booking fee on Smartfares?
If the Smartfares' price, less their booking fee is $10 or less than CO, then one could claim an LFG.

Again, when you call the LFG line at 800 490-2021 the first question they ask you is for the confirmation number for your CO.com purchased itinerary. The CO LFG person then has to be able to find the cheaper fare on the other source/website.

FYI - some of my LFG phone calls have taken as long as 50 minutes.

I did purchase my ticket at CO. That was the only unconfusing part of the whole ordeal.

After three attempts to call I got through and was told I couldn't get the low fare because I redeemed my miles.

Just to make sure I understand this. If I actually paid for the ticket, I would've be able to claim their low fare guarantee?

Yes....based on the information you described.

I'm pretty sure that the LFG is based on total price (minus any booking fees that may be charged by services such as Expedia, Travelocity, etc). Thus, the comparison should be made between the final price on CO.com and the final price (minus the $10 or so booking fee) on the other travel website. As was stated earlier, you must actually purchase the CO.com fare (not using miles) to qualify for the LFG.

Hmm I am starting to think that this Low Fare Guarantee is a hoax. Too many rules.

thanks for the welcome Billiken.

The rules are you actually have to buy a ticket... with, like, money. And it has to be more money than someone else is charging. Is that really too many?

Plus you have to claim it within 24 hrs of purchasing your ticket on co.com

jk2317...I usually buy my ticket with money but I had miles that I wanted to use.

and if you read the rules on their webpage it doesn't say anything about money or miles. it just says to buy it at continental.com. But thank you for telling me to use money, I mean who would've knowN? Thanks for the snide comment.

tahkuct... yeah i got that too. or if it's at midnight 4 hours after purchase.

Just so you know, I was just able to purchase a ticket and get the LFG. I usually check orbitz to see what prices are running like, and I found a fare from Chicago to Florida for $290 on orbitz with all fares and fees. Same fare on CO was $410 with all fares and fees. I bought the CO flight, and I called the LFG in and was on hold for 20 minutes on one call. Hung up and called back in. In all, 3 calls I had to make, but in the end, they refunded me $120 and sent me $100 voucher for a future flight, so it does work.

Oh, by the way, after I finished my call and got my LFG, I checked CO and the same fare I purchased was now at $290 with taxes and fees. Don't know if I got in before an update had happened, or if the fare somehow changed after I called in and pointed out that orbitz was cheaper. Either way, I am happy....