Can anybody shead some light on this for me.

[Nikki D]

I asked for flight prices for August 09 ([msnembarrased]Early I know but I like to start early. I wont book them so early but just wanting a price guide really.) Well the email I got said something about getting flight prices cheaper if you use the pre advanced booking procedure. I have never heard of this before can anyone enlighten me please. Thanks in advance for any info.

[Katys Grandad]

Any particular airline?

[Nikki D]

Yes sorry it's with virgin and I was sent the email by charter travel.

[Ruby]

Sorry Nikki I don't know anything about this but am waiting with bated breath for anyone who does know. I have never heard of this before.

Yes I have heard of it with Charter Travel, Yes we did do it ONCE but would not again. The flights were [u]non refundable non changeable</u> which in my view is not a good idea so far in advance, we ourselves found that we needed to change our dates and hence lost our deposit.

Basically the way they do it is to get lots of advance sales to be able to secure a cheaper price from Virgin - whether they do or not is another question for debate.

I know many people on this forum use Charter Travel a lot but I personally do not like the way they operate their business and therefore I would NOT use them again. Why use a travel agent when you can book direct, also if you then have any problems down route you need the travel agent to deal with it/sort it out for you where as if you book direct with an airline you deal direct with the airline if any problems arise - my experience is that travel agents tend to wash their hands of you once they have sold you the ticket.

In my view the best way is to book direct with Virgin or the airline or your choice, get your miles and then use those miles to discount your next flight etc

Hope this helps?

[Katys Grandad]

I don't know a lot about Charter Travel but I can't see any advantage booking with any travel agent these days. Most airlines offer pricematch deals and I've always found that, when things go wrong, I've been glad I booked direct.

[Nikki D]

Thanks very much Julie and Phil.
This all started as I asked for a quote for Lucy and I for next august and got a quick reply offering economy seats for £1600 [msnoo]. So I got back to them and asked if any deals come in to let me know as this is what my parents do, they always get good deals from charter travel and up to now have no problem. But they never go during peak times.
So I got an email back saying I could have flight prices for £1428 if I go with the advanced booking. There is no way I would be willing to buy now for that price with no guarantee of getting my date of travel. I know its early to start looking and there is no way I would pay that much. I know it is prime time but I always go around that time of year and have never paid that much even for premier gold last year with My Travel. Thanks again for getting back to me. Glad that is cleared up.

[Ruby]

Wow I have never heard of this before and cannot see any benefits in doing so. Those flights are really expensive too Nikki[msnoo]