Disadvantages of booking flights on third party websites

• Third-party booking platforms can offer great airfares, but they do not protect travelers well.
• Experts recommend booking directly with the airline or private travel agency.
• Travelers say it can be difficult to reach customer service at online travel agencies if they run into any problems.

“How to travel better” is a series that focuses on unpleasant or inefficient travel experiences and ways the industry can do better. If you would like to contribute to future reports and share your experience as a resource, please click here to complete this short form.

Julia Carlson’s spring trip to Cancun was supposed to be a celebration. Her son and niece were graduating from high school, and Carlson and her sister had planned a vacation with them to celebrate the occasion.