Online travel agencies: think very carefully before you use one...

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

2. I have rarely flown since 2001, but even before then I'd

always look at Expedia, then go to the airline's own site. Every time I checked one of the other booking sites that were supposed to give cheap flights, they were at best exactly the same, and often more than Expedia. It's a toss-up between Expedia and the airline itself.

I drive places, and when I need to book a hotel I do the same thing. Check out Expedia, then call the hotel location directly. Again, sometimes I can get a better deal booking directly with the hotel, but more often not.

One huge problem with flying is that the airlines have trained people to look for the cheapest possible fare, and then have restrictions and extra fees that add up. Personally, the rare times I've flown in the past decade I simply book a first class seat about three or four months ahead of the trip. I can get one at a fare I'm willing to pay, have free luggage check, drinks, and a meal. Well worth it.