Buying directly from airline vs skyscanner
Hey. I am gonna be flying a lot between SF and NYC (+few vacations) so I got a amex plat today. Now I am trying to do the math (I know- I shoulda done it before getting the card) which is not working. Getting flight from amex travel or buying directly from airlines cost like 650+ for round while cheap mix up flights from skyscanner cost around 450. I hear a lot of people saying get premium card if fly a lot but not sure how the benefits can win against that price gap. Could h share ur wisdom so that I can at least self justify my ignorance and stupidity. + I know that there are other perks that make up for the annual fee. Im just directly comparing the ticket prices. 200k
Get Chase sapphire preferred, and book it via Chase website
Direct airlines is usually a bad idea as they know there is no competition
Many cards associated with airlines like united explorer card, will get you free miles AND also x amount usually around ~$200. These miles are GREAT value, basically can use them for business class upgrades or discounts on tickets. It will hit your credit score to get another card but, totally worth it though if you use it to book all your upcoming flights Note - not sure if these work on sky scanner et all but I believe they do, I have only ever used it directly via the website.
Ok. So 100,000 mileage may worth much more than just $1,000? Not a huge fan of upgrades but is it worth more to upgrade than to buy a ticket?
Yes can confirm I upgraded my economy ticket on a flight to India using only miles, not a huge fan of upgrades either but worth it because basically for free lol ( I would’ve never bought a business class ticket otherwise)
Third party ticket providers are fine as long as everything goes as planned. If you need to change your ticket however they are the most useless people and you find terrible customer service. With the airline there is more flexibility since you don't have the middle man
True this. If you have any issues with a third party vendor getting help from anyone will be a full time job.
Just buy individual direct flights instead of roundtrips. You rarely save any money buying RT
Except for international
Never book third party. I had a trip ruined by Covid and flights canceled... Expedia said they can't help me, call the airline. Airline said I had to call Expedia. Took months to get my money back when Expedia finally gave you that option online.
You don’t get 5x airline points if you use third party site. Either book direct with airline or use Amex travel. Says it in your benefits. Using third party sites also books you at the absolute worst fare possible and the most restrictive (B in American Airlines). If you fly a lot, getting status with the airline should be your priority and B fares don’t get upgrades to business/first.
Delta sky pesos are useless except for flash sales.
I prefer to buy directly from the airline because when things go wrong they sold me the ticket and are on the hook to support. Otherwise airlines tell me to call amex or Expedia to sort it out.
You get platinum for the ability to use your reward points as airline miles. Amex travel is just rebranded Expedia.
So buying directly from airlines + mileage is cheaper than skyscanner?
Yes