Travel Forum / Destinations / Asia / July 2005

"Hi, We're looking for a round trip ticket non stop and notice Orbitz
quotes some decent prices."

Orbitz and other internet sites are usually more expensive for flights
to Asia.  You should get a better price from an offline travel agent
specializing in Asian flights.  Check the LA Times sunday travel
section.

"The hang up is that Air China and Orbitz don't do business together so
you can't buy through Orbitz. The airline basically reffered us to a
Asian travel agent who's price was $100 more per ticket. Can't see why
a broker would show a price he can't sell."

To get you to go into his agency in the hopes that you will buy from
him even when you find out that the fare you wanted is unavailable.

"Air China can't assign seating either so It'll be a mad house at the
airport having to get there early to get a decent seat. This is my
first trip. I like the flight times of Air China and the fact it;s a
relatively short flight. Any suggestions from people more experienced.
Should we pack a lunch?"

Do you absolutely have to go non-stop?  Korean Air can have some very
good US->Asia fares if you don't mind a brief stopover in Seoul:

http://leisure.travelocity.com/Promotions/0,,TRAVELOCITY%7C2920%7Cair_main,00.html

If you are in LA go to one of the hundreds of agents in Monterey Park
and check out their prices.  The competition is cut throat and their
margins are razor thin.

Pack a lunch and snack if you want.  They serve standard airline fare
with some Asian flavors.