Think twice
Written: Jun 14 '00
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I've attempted to use Priceline on at least 2 different occasions. Naturally, they were my first choice for online ticketing since it's hard to go anywhere without hearing or seeing an ad regarding their "wonderful, free service". It seemed like a no-brainer at the time -- their site is extremely popular, which I so moronically associated with "top of the line", and free (which is always a good thing!). Upon visiting and registering for their service, however, I noticed that there was a catch that bothered me somewhat.
Priceline allows you to "name your own price" but if they do find an airline somewhere that does accept your offer, then priceline will automatically bill your credit card. So the point is, you are in fact, committed to using the airline that they select. Should you find a better deal somewhere else, or learn of a particularly terrifying feature of the airline or itinerary that Priceline has provided you with, you're simply out of luck. Viewing this as a relatively small drawback, I did register and name my price, only to learn in a few hours that my price offer was declined. I tried again with a slightly higher price, and was again refused.
This probably leads you to think that my offer was unrealistically low. After all, if a huge, reputable company like Priceline can't find an airline willing to accept the offer, it must mean that no one can. But I did try another online ticketing service, one which didn't require me to commit beforehand, and they immediately matched me up with a package that was $20 less than the offer that Priceline rejected. Using this other service, my trip went great! I don't think that Priceline is an awful service, but at the same time, I wouldn't recommend it to my friends knowing that there are far better, and less risky (though less popular) online ticketing services available.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
truthseeker64
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Member: Monique
Reviews written: 21
Trusted by: 6 members
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