Book direct with airline or use agent?

[wilbo83]

Going to be booking some multi stop flights to Australia for later this year, coming back with a stopover in Dubai, therefore looking specifically at Emirates flights.

Just wondering if people would recommend to book directly with Emirates, use an online site such as Expedia or book with a high street agent such as STA Travel? (For shorter european journeys, I always book direct with easyjet / ryanair.)

[Mattt]

I use Skyscanner to find my flights, that lists the prices from all the Agents/Direct for that flight.

I generally find Emirates are the same to go direct, whereas someone like BA it's cheaper to go through an Agent.

[wilbo83]

Mattt said:

I use Skyscanner to find my flights, that lists the prices from all the Agents/Direct for that flight.

I generally find Emirates are the same to go direct, whereas someone like BA it's cheaper to go through an Agent.

I usually use Skyscanner but it didn't seem to let me search for a multi-stop flight.

[Puggit]

There are some strange differences where booking direct can all the difference (ease of rebooking, in case of problems etc, checking in for connecting flights). If the price is within a small margin - go direct.

[BrabusMog]

If you're flying multiple sectors I'd look at using Flight Centre/Trailfinders et al as they should have some decent contracts with the airlines and, sometimes, you can get different airlines booked under one PNR.

[blearyeyedboy]

Try Kayak as well as Skyscanner.

[wilbo83]

Puggit said:

There are some strange differences where booking direct can all the difference (ease of rebooking, in case of problems etc, checking in for connecting flights). If the price is within a small margin - go direct.

This will be my main deciding factor, I am happy to pay a small premium if its easier to resolve any issues by booking direct with the airline. At the moment, it is about £30/40 difference.

[Matt..]

I always use Kayak/Skyscanner to find flights, then book direct. As others have said, it seems easier to resolve issues, and do things like booking specific seats.

[Amateurish]

Agree, and you can often get some cashback using Quidco or Topcashback. Emirates is 1.25%.

[wilbo83]

Amateurish said:

Agree, and you can often get some cashback using Quidco or Topcashback. Emirates is 1.25%.

Thanks, will check those out.

[steveo3002]

Amateurish said:

Agree, and you can often get some cashback using Quidco or Topcashback. Emirates is 1.25%.

and hotel bookings with all the places expedia and so on , airport parking etc

[surveyor]

I struggled to find a website that would work with my browser and deliver flights that existed.

Ebookers was my answer.

[wilbo83]

After spending a while on the phone to various companies. Compared to booking direct with emirates STA travel were £3 cheaper, Flight Centre were £9 more expensive and Trailfinders were £12 more expensive. The margin is so small, I think booking direct is the answer.

[steveo3002]

think you'd be mad not to really..as said any problems or requests can be made directly with the airline

only thing i can think of is would a travel agent cover you if the airline goes down the pan before you fly ?

[anonymous-user]

Just use a credit card!! Some airlines will only allow you to choose your seats if you book direct. Singapore for example.