Expedia.co.uk > Reviews (66)

If you want get information or book a flight fast and with the minimum of hassle, this is the best site I've found so far. I've been using Expedia for quite some time for information purposes, but it's only recently that I actually took the plunge and ordered something from it.

EXTENSIVE DATABASE
I have found that it's a really good starting point for investigating the cost of flights. The search facilities are comprehensive and relatively simple to use (a few minor quibbles) - you simply plug in Start and end destinations and the dates you require, and the extensive database will go away and think about it. After a few (15 - 30) seconds wait the flights fitting your requirements are displayed (assuming there are some), and you can click on any of the search results to obtain further details, such as flight number, stopover details, airline terms and conditions and so on.

BUILT-IN FLEXIBILITY
The interface allows you go back to the search engine, enabling you to refine and/or change your criteria. For example if, like me, you search for the cheapest option, you may wish to select a different airport to start from. Expedia enables you to go backwards and forwards like this changing and experimenting with alternative itineraries until you find the one that best matches your start criteria.

In this way it is a very flexible. I've used Expedia to find flight information like this on a number of occasions and I've always found the site to be stable and reliable (no drop outs or crashes), and invariably I've come out with some useful info.

POINTS TO CONSIDER
You'll seldom find the guaranteed cheapest possible flight here (for example the database does NOT incorporate budget airlines like EasyJet or Buzz), the flights that you will find though are AMONG the cheapest. Plus there are plenty of special offers available from the airlines that are represented, and if you are looking for budget tickets, your needs are catered for. Looking at the spread of airlines represented, I don't think one specific group is favoured, for example you'll see BA flights catered for alongside Lufthansa, and I know for a fact that they belong to different airline groups (sorry, can't remember the names of each group).

THE NITTY GRITTY
Ordering is relatively simple - you fill in a couple of pages of personal details, address CC number and so on, and you will receive a order confirmation e-mail almost immendiately. A further e-mail is sent 24 hours or so later when your order is accepted (the booking has to be verified with the airline), and they promise to deliver your tickets within 5 - 6 working days. At all times, when making an order I felt assured that my order was being dealt with an that the site is secure.

SO...?
The site is fast, flexible and has an extensive database. You will be able to get a flight from most UK airports to most destinations you are likely to want to go to. If you're looking for budget tickets, the prices you get are *among* the cheapest, but not necessarily THE chepaest you can find.

The site is robust and gives the impression of safety. I got my tickets delivered promptly, and made my flight without a hitch!

I liked this site, I will use it again and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

Hints:
Best used to find normal one way/round trip flights - doesn't quite have the flexibility to find the cheapest ways of doing more complicated combinations (open jaw journeys for example)

You can sometimes get some good bargains by plugging in the regional airports to the search engines, you won't always have to go to evil Gatwick. Stansted is always a good start for the budget options.

*the new bit - 02/07/01*
I'm going to have to downgrade Expedia by a star I think. After waiting a month for my tickets to Prague to arrive (not the published 5 -6 days) and spending a total of 40 minutes in a queue on the helpline, with the same Shania Twain song playing over and over again (Man, I feel like a homicidal maniac) I finally got through to someone who actually helped me out (thankyou Margaret). Rather than someone who just SAID they would help me out.

The customer service I received was, on the face of it satisfactory, however fell short on the delivery. Once Margaret was on the case, though, after I impressed upon her the urgency of matters (I'm leaving in 10 days and I don't have any tickets) she told me (on Weds afternoon) she would make sure they were send out first class right away. And She did. The ticket arrived by courier on Friday morning.

Expedia have a helpline (a toll free 0800 number) and once you find someone to help - problems seem to be solved quickly - no quibble. However, I'm downgrading them by a star because I had to call three times, and because of that bloody irritating hold music.