After reading several posts on the Fodors forums extolling the virtues of Korean Air I've set my sights on flying them for my South East Asia trip in 2011. I was happy to see that Korean Air is part of the Sky Team alliance and so the miles on Korean Air will go into my Delta Sky Miles account...Yay!
When I checked the Delta website for flights and airfare I about had a heart attack when I saw $2300! I knew it wouldn't be cheap, but I was hoping for a little less than that!
A friend suggested I call Korean Air directly to see if they had a better fare than Delta. That's good lookin' out my friend! When I called Korean Air I found out that they don't book flights from Savannah, only Atlanta...OK...I checked the airfare from Atlanta...WOW! A HUGE difference...$1300! And that was for the flights and times I wanted, unlike on the Delta website which quoted return flights I did not want! Of course, that would mean driving to Atlanta the night before the flight departed and staying in a hotel and on the return we would have to stay in a hotel because there is no way I'm flying for 24 hours and then driving for 5 hours home.
Then I started thinking about Expedia and wondering what fares they might be quoting. So I checked...another WOW! Expedia was offering the exact flights I wanted on Delta/Korean Air from Savannah...for...drum roll please....$1410!!! Unbelievable!
BUT, I have a dilemma, I am not comfortable booking with an online travel agency. I typically book flights directly with the airline I'm flying, I feel more secure that way. Maybe it's silly to think like that, but I've read the articles about how when flights get over booked and people need to be bumped it's the Expedia booked (or similar online travel agency) ticket holders that are at the bottom of the barrel.
PLUS, I am all about accruing miles and I was under the assumption if I booked with Expedia, I wouldn't get my miles. However, after reading the "fine print" on Expedia I may be eligible for my Sky Miles accrual. Being skeptical about this I emailed Delta Sky Miles and they confirmed that as long as I supplied my Sky Miles number prior to departure I would accrue the miles.
So, why am I still reluctant to book with Expedia? I have not rational explanation...I would just feel more comfortable booking directly with Delta or Korean Air. Maybe calling Delta directly and negotiating with them I could get the flights I want for the price Expedia is quoting...it's a long shot, but one I should take!
Stay tuned as the saga of the South East Asia flight purchase continues...
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