Once again this morning I got an E mail from Best Fares about their fabulous deals to Europe. Once again I called and of course those fares are sold out (quel shock - NOT)!!
I used to actually pay membership figuring that would give me priority in booking but not so.

With 10 years experience with these people I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that they are practicing bait and switch but before I make any final decisions I have a question. Has ANYONE ever gotten a "deal" out of Best Fares. You know - the Europe for $300 in February fares? If you have please post here.

I used to be a member and did once score a very good fare to Rome ($375 in late April) but only after I spoke with an agent via phone. The fares on the website do not include fees and taxes that will increase the price significantly.

At one time it was true, and perhaps remains so, that if you paid the membership and did not book a flight within the year, the fee was refunded.

Hello,

Sad to say that it is Bait and Switch. The company (and there are many) will give you the so called "best" fares to reel you in and then the fare is not available. You will find a number of vacation booking engines do this (starting with Ex, Tr, Or) and then poof! the airfare or other rate is not there for client.

It doesn't make me happy at all since I am a travel professional.

All the Bst,

I have used Travelocity a couple of times for travel within the U.S. I did not encounter any bait and switch. I have noticed that the connection times are often very short and opting for a later departure time will increase the fare a bit.

We usually travel with miles and AX points and often American Express books flights for us. However, friends of ours swear by certain consolidator websites and usually score great deals. They can be very flexible with their travel dates - that certainly helps.

I don't have any experience with Best Fares. But I have traveled to Rome in Dec-Feb three times in the last 3 years. The total cost was always in the $600-750 per person range. I search all over.

Mary, I was one of the suckers who paid for a membership with Bestfares and I always got the bait and switch. I never ONCE got a good fare with them. I just made a lot of calls only to hear all the good fares were sold out.

What a scam....

I joined Best Fares for a year back in the 90's and it was great - even got a 5% rebate on tickets. I rejoined last year and I've gotten a couple of good deals. The latest is flying to Ireland the end of May returning in June. The cheapest I could find (including fees/taxes) was on USAir for $700+, through Best Fares I got round trip ticket, including all taxes and fees for $550. I agree the 'special fares' seem to disappear when I call but I was persistent with the agent and we were on the phone for over 1/2 hour and he finally found the lower fare.

I don't think I'll renew my membership with them because they are not a cut above as they used to be. With so many search engines out there (Sidestep, BookingBuddy, etc) I can find the best fare myself.

I have had the same experience, Tom. Persistence and a helpful agent paid off for me, resulting in a great fare to Rome. Months later I helped an elderly friend book a fare to Torino, saving her quite a bit despite the membership fee.

I also let my membership lapse - haven't been a member since 2005. And despite my good dealings with Best Fares, I don't know that I have an opinion yay or nay should anyone ask me about the wisdom of plunking down $59.95 for a membership. I joined in 2003 after finding a good fare available to members only and joined while on the phone with an agent.

I did take a peek at the website a few days ago, after I first posted on this thread. It is much the same as before, though the membership price has increased a little. I was wrong in my earlier statement - the fee is still refundable but it's only within the first 30 days and if you haven't taken advantage of any offering.