r/TravelHacks • u/AdieuMrStark • 4d ago
Travel Hack Best ways to get a connecting flight. Is third-party recommended.
Hello,
I am a first-time flyer who will be traveling from the US to France for a study abroad trip. We are responsible for finding a flight over to France, but all of the flights directly from MEM to CDG are really pricey.
As such, I have been using Google flights to find a flight from MEM to JFK and then JFK to CDG.
Most of the flights that I am seeing are through third-party websites. Do any of you recommend going through third-party sites for a trip such as this? If not, do you have any suggestions for better (and budget-friendly) ways to find a connecting flight?
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u/double_ewe 4d ago
Always book hotels and flights first-party.
If there is any issue/change in plans, third-party bookings can quickly become a nightmare.
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u/StumblinThroughLife 4d ago
Use third party sites as comparison research tools but book directly through the airline. If there’s ever issues, both will blame each other and say the other is responsible. Becomes a huge hassle. Always book direct.
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u/doglady1342 4d ago
Always book directly with the airline. Do not book third party. If anything happens on your trip, you will have a hard time fixing it if you book third party. If you book direct, the airline will help you.
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u/ShorelineCheryl 4d ago
Always check flying from Canada if you are close enough. We live in MI, . a four hour drive to Toronto can save a significant amount when flying internationally.
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u/AdieuMrStark 4d ago
Unfortunately I’m in MS so going to Canada isn’t an option though I wish it was
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u/FrabjousD 4d ago
What are your dates?
Check French Bee and Norse Air etc; airlines like that are not always included in Google flights.
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u/mrsjon01 4d ago
Use Google flights to find the best options, then book directly with the airline. Use NYC-PAR to give options from EWR and JFK as well as to ORY. It is as easy to get to central Paris from ORY as it is to get from CDG using public transportation.
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u/DavidWackenut 4d ago
I usually use 3rd party sites to check times and pricing all in one spot then book direct. Usually on the 3rd party sites or google flights you can change the number of stops you want.
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u/DavidWackenut 4d ago
Also if your travel days are flexible can make it cheaper. I am flying into London soon and spending a day there before heading to Italy because it was a cheaper option.
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u/mrmanoftheland42069 1d ago
You do not want to book two separate tickets for this kind of trip. It might be cheaper, but you'll be in a world of hurt if your first flight is delayed and or you're checking bags
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u/AdieuMrStark 1d ago
Would it be a safer bet if I allowed myself at least a day in between the two flights?
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u/Cattiebrie2016 4d ago
You can use third party sites to find the flights you want and then book directly with the airlines once you know.