Hello gang,

I'm heading back to SA this August. I was wondering what advice you might have on flights. I used an agent last trip and that was fine, but i feel like i paid a premium.

I have checked various websites and the least expensive flight is through "cheapoair.com". Seriously.

Does anyone have suggestions? I anticipate making the calls to Gracy, Custom travel and Kathi tomorrow to check rates. Just wanted to see if anyone knew of any specials, etc. Thanks in advance.

I use to think that I was paying a premium when using an agent but in 2007 I searched for tickets myself. The cheapest I found was around $2,000 and then I called Kathi and she got me the best seats at the same price.

Hi SilentT

Online is good but you don't have any backup if something goes wrong.

I would be happy to assist you and to check if I can find you a good fare based on what you found on the internet.

Please contact me for personalized service.

Regards

Steve Turner

I am flying on 8/28 Pittsburgh to Atlanta and on to Joberg with a round trip from Joberg to Richards Bay. Total $2047.16 I use Kathi Klimes who also posts here. I have used Kathi for about 7 or8 yrs and she has been very good handling problems.

Nothing against Cheapoair, I have used them a number of times within the states, and to Mexico, but for trips such as Africa, I want to know there is someone I can call if I need help. I personally have had decent success when calling web based agent for help but am not willing to test this when I am half way around the globe.

Silent T,
I returned from SA last week and I booked my flight online from Delta. The flight was delayed 4 hours at the beginning of the trip, but everything worked out. I will book my own again without hesitation. The price was cheaper than any other quote I received.

Of the 8 other international flights I have taken, only two were booked with agents and the rest I booked myself. I am not saying everyone should not use an agent. There are a lot of satisfied customers here who use agents. However, for me, even if the price was the same I would book myself. It just seems to be easier.

You don't need a travel agent until you do...
I travel a lot and most often make my own arrangements, but my travel to Africa has always been booked through an agent. I like knowing that if there is a problem, I can ring up my agent and she can get things squared away usually more efficiently than I can.

I just got my air booked last night to RSA using Orbitz. Got a Delta flight for $1400 per person round trip. Leaving PDX lay over in Atlanta, straight to J'burg. Arriving in J'Burg August 13th.

YAHOO!!!!