I won an auction for a UA/LH RT Chicago-Moscow ticket almost three weeks ago--$661 including taxes (a better fare than I could find anywhere else). SkyAuction made a reservation for my originally requested travel dates after 6 days. The email stated that changes to the return flight would be $150. After receiving this first itinerary, I requested different travel dates because my plans had changed. I didn't receive any reply from SkyAuction for a week, so I sent two emails over the next two days asking about the status of my reservation. I was then sent a FedEx delivery notification by email telling me my ticket had been issued and was being sent to me. I wasn't sent an email telling me of the new itinerary and asking for my confirmation though. The ticket was just issued and sent to me, and my credit card was charged. I went to SOFIA and found the new itinerary since no one sent me the itinerary by email. The return flight wasn't acceptable so I immediately sent SkyAuction an email telling them the return flight wouldn't work out and I needed them to change it. I was sent an email telling me that "per SkyAuction's contract with the airline I am allowed one free change to the return flight." I sent back an email asking if the change to the return flight would be free or if it would cost $150 like I was informed in an earlier email. I was sent another email telling me that one change to the return flight would be free, not $150. So I accepted the ticket. I haven't changed the return flight yet because I'd like to wait until I'm sure when I want to return. Has anyone else tried to change their UA/LH SkyAuction return flight once their ticket had been issued? Did you indeed get one free change or did it cost you $150?

Thanks.

here's the latest status on my skyauction deal. i was having major problems getting my agent to respond to emails. i kept using the sofia "live chat" and he said he would have the agent call me. i finally got their tel number- it is not toll-free, but at least it is a number for their travel people. it is 212 355 3660.

i did finally end up with what i wanted, when i wanted to go and the same price as the original bid. i had to be VERY persistent.

JNelson113, i suggest you get on the "live sofia chat" button or call them direct. good luck.

I've had good and bad experiences with SkyAuction in the 8 or 10 auctions I've won. Yes, you need to have some flexibility (although I've often gotten the exact dates I wanted). But on the plus side, they've been more than willing to cancel three auctions where availability became a problem (take that, priceline.com!).

As for prices, it's VERY hit or miss. I generally decide on a price I'm willing to pay, and autobid that (don't forget to factor in the tax & delivery add-on). This is easy since they tend to repeat the same offers weekly. Most of the time somebody will outbid me (even if it's crazy - $500 to Europe in the winter?!), but every so often the gods come through. For example, three weeks ago I got SFO-LHR for $608 total (summer travel). Same auction last week went for $900!

And some good news: SkyAuction tickets earn miles and are upgradable .


[This message has been edited by johna (edited 06-03-2000).]