BUYING TICKETS
Here are some issues of which you might want to be aware, when dealing with the web sites that sell air tickets.
Booking process
Usually online booking only, so no "person-contact". You will want a web site which offers excellent security and privacy. Economy Travel 
has a user-friendly interface.
Ticket type
Do you prefer electronic tickets, known as "e-tickets" or traditional paper tickets? Tickets are often only issued electronically. A way to see if paper tickets are offered is to check for home-delivery if that is your preference.
Paper tickets. Losing a paper ticket can be costly.
They might attract a fee if you want to pick the ticket up at the airport.
Not as readily available and convenient as e-tickets.
- E-tickets. In the meantime passengers can have difficulty moving between airlines, for example in the case of delayed or cancelled flights, or even connecting flights.
Time frame
Check whether there is a limited time frame between booking, paying for and using the ticket. This is often the case with airlines posting last minute bargains. Additional costs
Check whether quoted prices include additional mandatory costs.
tax charges such as US$2 on each flight segment
passenger facility charges (PFCs) of up to US$12
ticket processing charges
fuel surcharges
Changing your mind
Check whether the ticket is refundable. If you can cancel a ticket, check whether there are penalties for doing so. Multiple specials
If you put several web specials together will they be ticketed separately?
Frequent flyer programs
Will the purchase go towards your frequent flyer account? Sometimes bonus miles for booking online apply. If using an airline's own web site, can you enroll in its frequent flyer program online? Can you access your account online?
Online travel auctions allow you to name your price, but you might not be able to name your airline. And as mentioned above, you might want to check whether your ticket (paper or e-ticket) will be honored by another carrier in the event of flight delays and cancellations. Can you risk disruptions to your itinerary?
Payment
Look for the site's customer service section describing security, privacy, returns policy and guarantees. When purchasing from any site, avoid those requesting cash. Cash on delivery or credit card are the best options (often credit card is the only method offered). With credit card you can dispute charges if goods are misrepresented or don't arrive. For example, search under “security” in the browser's "help" file, and look for merchant security information under headings like "Help," "Information" or "About us."
If you are buying your ticket though a third party using check or money order, after booking but before paying, call the airline directly to ensure you have a confirmed booking.
Auction fraud accounts for nearly nine out of every 10 Internet-related complaints filed with the National Consumer League's
(The law recently intervened in a dispute between "quikbook.com" and "quickbook.com".) Verify the contact information by calling them, or, by checking with directory assistance.
If you are booking through a travel agent, look for membership in organizations such as the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). If you are booking through a tour operator (they usually specialize in package deals), look for membership in organizations such as the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA). Our affiliate, Economy Travel , is fully licensed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Check up on a company through the American consumer protection agency, the Better Business Bureau. Check what others are saying by doing a search on the name of the web site in newsgroup search engines such as Deja.com, Remarq or Talkway. The only complaint is that Economy Travel has a smaller selection of airlines than some other ticket sellers.
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