Does FareCompare actually work?
 

I've tried it several times over the last few days ... find what looks like a decent deal, click on it, get taken to the site (usually Orbitz) ... and find that the price is COMPLETELY different (like, double or so).

Anybody else help? I'm looking for a Delta or KLM flight from LHR to MSP return in July next year; or BRS - MSP - LHR (better, actually) ... with the intention of trying to upgrade from Economy to Business class using my points.

I have ZERO status with Delta or KLM (but am OneWorld Emerald with Cathay and Qantas) but have 46,000 pts with left over after the merger.

If anyone has any experience of the above, I'd love to hear it. I know all about Cathay, Qantas and flying around Asia.... but nothing about optimizing a flight from London to the USA!

Also - is there a 'cheap place to start' if I try buying a Biz class ticket directly? For example, if I want a cheap ticket on Cathay from HK, I just fly to Taiwan first, then fly back (via HK) and on .... saves about 40% even taking into account the extra flight to Taiwan ... anybody come across anything like this in Europe? I don't mind taking a short hop to start somewhere else if it saves money :)

lots of discussion at mr discussion forum.....look there

fare compare compares published fares, but not availability....

people say to use ita in conjunction w/it.....good luck...