My best advice is to always deal directly with hotels and airlines, and avoid buying from “middlemen” like Priceline. They don’t save you money anymore according to the New York Times’ Frugal Traveler (see April 18 article by Lucas Peterson). Perhaps they did before these billion dollar behemoths configured great websites. Today, with just a few mouse clicks, you can find the best flight or hotel accommodation. You may use the go-between sites to compare alternate arrangements, but always buy directly from the end provider’s website. The best airline comparison site doesn’t even sell tickets as follows…
Google/flights shows lowest prices instantly, to/from multiple airports simultaneously, with excellent tools to narrow your search. Upon selecting a flight, you “click through” to buy the ticket directly from the airline’s website. As a result, all of your flight information is clearly displayed on the airline’s app on your smartphone and on your calendar (if you so choose). However, don’t forget to check the Southwest Airlines site before you buy tickets, because their fares are generally excluded from aggregator sites.
Marriott and Hilton websites include most of the decent hotels in America. You can get closest to your destination with the useful maps on their websites, and choose from a wide range of rates and discounts. If you’re like me and want to bed down quickly, use your hotel’s advance check-in when prompted. If you’re lucky, your hotel offers online room selection and even room access via your smartphone. Checking in ahead of time protects you from getting bumped at an overbooked hotel, which has the highest likelihood of happening when you arrive late in the evening.
Even occasional travelers should register on at least two hotel, two rental car, and two airline websites. This can be accomplished in less than one hour and prepares you for the unexpected. All offer loyalty benefits that can accumulate over a lifetime of travel and seldom expire.
One final caveat – you are on your own when away from home. Not one of these providers can/will take care of you better than you can take care of yourself. Always pay attention to the location of the inbound flight coming to get you, even if your outbound flight is shown to be “on time.” American Airlines displays this information on their app, and indicates whether this inbound aircraft is on schedule. I don’t believe that my flight is really “on time” until the American app reports that this inbound flight has taken off. I remain especially vigilant, and proactively seek alternate flights when the plane coming to get me originates in an airport undergoing inclement weather. And in the event my flight is canceled, I immediately phone my airline. And while I’m on hold, I search alternate airports and times on Google/flights.
Remember that you’re in driver’s seat and the greatest travel tools ever offered are right at your fingertips.