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Anyone ever use Priceline to name your own price?
https://forum.costaricaticas.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=16020		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  TicaFan [ Thu Mar 15, 2007 12:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Anyone ever use Priceline to name your own price?
I was thinking about trying it but you have to enter your credit card and essentially purchase ticket blind. You get to name your price or bid but I'm a little nervous about trying it. I imagine saving a few hundred dollars but being in transit for 24 hours each way including layovers? I mean, it's possible I suppose. I am just wondering if anyone has tried using the Name Your Own Price feature and what your results were.

Thanks.
Author:  Orange [ Thu Mar 15, 2007 12:21 pm ]
Post subject: 
Is it available for Costa Rica? I think I tried it once, but wouldn't let me name a price for CR.
Author:  HolaB [ Thu Mar 15, 2007 12:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Priceline
Yes it is possible to name your own price, I have tried 6x within the last 2wks. before attempting this I usually go to Kayak for current pricing on all airlines, then into Priceline.

What I have discovered is, I may save $50-$70 dollars on a comparable flight from Kayak but.... my flight plan goes DFW-Mex. City-SJ total travel time of 9-12 hrs. When you submit a bid say $250. they add approx.$270(tax,fee,etc).

In summary, I can pay a little extra and pick my flight w/ half the travel time. I have noticed fares are dropping for travel from June -Sept.

What I don't understand is, I watch seat availability on AA/Cont for Dfw-SJ. There are a couple of flights each week leaving with anywhere from 10 to 20 seats available within 24 hrs of take off. Why do they not put these out for Internet Specials? Once that plane shuts the hatch, that is revenue that can never be captured. Much like the hotel industry, I would rather have 105% occupancy, and walk a few guests, rather than run 80% occupancy.

Maybe someone here can answer what the airlines business philosophy is with regards to at least recouping some revenue on onsold seats 24-48 hrs before takeoff.
Author:  TicaFan [ Thu Mar 15, 2007 1:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Priceline
HolaB wrote:

What I don't understand is, I watch seat availability on AA/Cont for Dfw-SJ. There are a couple of flights each week leaving with anywhere from 10 to 20 seats available within 24 hrs of take off. Why do they not put these out for Internet Specials? Once that plane shuts the hatch, that is revenue that can never be captured. Much like the hotel industry, I would rather have 105% occupancy, and walk a few guests, rather than run 80% occupancy.

Maybe someone here can answer what the airlines business philosophy is with regards to at least recouping some revenue on onsold seats 24-48 hrs before takeoff.


I've wondered that myself especially on empty flights. The only thing that comes to mind is that the airlines know everyone would wait.
Author:  Myrivers [ Thu Mar 15, 2007 2:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Prices
I agree. But again I fly Air Canada and seat sales to SJO are never to be seen either. Makes no sence as the flight is basically a 'charter' type.
Author:  HolaB [ Thu Mar 15, 2007 2:21 pm ]
Post subject: 
I would think there is a very small segment of the travel market that can afford to wait until the last minute to book travel, particularily international travel.

I have had luck with Charters looking to fill seats, I managed DFW-Haw on Funjet with 5 days notice for $199 rnd trip, once again it takes someone who can travel on very short notice to manage to pull this off.
Author:  Gringo Malo [ Thu Mar 15, 2007 3:03 pm ]
Post subject: 
The airlines want you to aquire miles. They aren't necessarily interested in making it easy to redeem them. As I speak, I am trying to use Delta miles to fly on Contiental because Delta does not offer the flight days that I need. It looks like it will work for me.
Author:  DoggyDog [ Thu Mar 15, 2007 7:03 pm ]
Post subject: 
aa has a pretty good sale going this spring. just booked out of mia yesterday for 278.00 puls tax.
Author:  Diablo [ Thu Mar 15, 2007 7:29 pm ]
Post subject: 
I have used Priceline many times, and what I do is check other price sites, and then enter something considerable lower on Priceline, until I find out how low they will go on the name your own price. Haven't used it lately because their prices have not been all that great
Author:  TicaFan [ Thu Mar 15, 2007 7:40 pm ]
Post subject: 
Diablo wrote:
I have used Priceline many times, and what I do is check other price sites, and then enter something considerable lower on Priceline, until I find out how low they will go on the name your own price. Haven't used it lately because their prices have not been all that great


But when you name your own price you have to give the credit card and buy the ticket before you see what your schedule looks like, right? It seems like a great way to save money unless you're in transit for 18-24 hours each way. Sure, they may come back with just about the same schedule you would have booked yourself but I don't know, I doubt it. Is there any way around that?
Author:  Diablo [ Thu Mar 15, 2007 7:55 pm ]
Post subject: 
To tell you the truth, I don't remember. The sales on other sites have been matching or been better lately. In Dec. $558 on American, in Feb. $605 on Continental ( highest in 7 years). May trip on Spirit $362( second lowest).
Author:  BlueDevil [ Thu Mar 15, 2007 10:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Anyone ever use Priceline to name your own price?
TicaFan wrote:
I was thinking about trying it but you have to enter your credit card and essentially purchase ticket blind. You get to name your price or bid but I'm a little nervous about trying it. I imagine saving a few hundred dollars but being in transit for 24 hours each way including layovers? I mean, it's possible I suppose. I am just wondering if anyone has tried using the Name Your Own Price feature and what your results were.

Thanks.


I used priceline.com extensively up until 4 or 5 years ago, and it was a crap shoot. Some flights were gems while others were dogs, but I always got a good price. Kayak.com and other travel engines give you much better control.
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