three reasons NOT to book this online rate...

Online bookings can be a big mistake, and this article will highlight one of the pitfalls of using expedia, hotels.com, or other online wholesalers. This information is based on a mock booking at the beautiful Park Hyatt Sydney — a one-night stay on 14FEB for the lead-in room. The screenshot above is from expedia.com, and the rate is displayed in US dollars.

It would be a mistake to book this rate online. Here are three reasons why...


Reason One — expedia's rate is non-refundable

Take a careful look at the small print at the top center of the screenshot, just above "Free WiFi," you'll see the words Non-Refundable. Click on the question mark icon, you'll find this explanation.

Reason Two — expedia's explanation is deceptive

"This specially discounted rate?" Expedia seems to justify the non-refundable rate with the claim that they're somehow saving you money ... but they're NOT.

The Hyatt website shows a rate $983 with tax included. Hotel rates in Australia always include tax, but Expedia is hiding the room tax. You won't know about it unless you click the "price details" link. Or until you book the room and learn that your card has been charged a non-refundable $983. (By the way, the rate on hyatt.com is refundable.)

Reason Three — you're missing out on an even better value

For the same $983 USD, you can book the same room through your Virtuoso travel advisor, make no prepayment, have the freedom to cancel up to 48 hours before arrival, and receive additional Virtuoso amenities that will definitely save you money.

• Daily Full Breakfast for two per bedroom, served in The Dining Room
• One way airport transfer in BMW 7 Series (includes tolls)
• an upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Do you enjoy being your own travel agent and booking on the web? At least book through the Virtuoso website to score these amenities! This link will take you to the Park Hyatt Sydney page on Virtuoso.com. Fill in your dates, select a Virtuoso travel advisor, and take advantage of the best luxury value out there!

copyright (c) 2020 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

a quirky Southwest Airlines rebooking policy

When does a refundable ticket become non-refundable? I just received the following Southwest Airlines Advisory from the Brownell Air Desk:

In order to maintain the refundability of your original REFUNDABLE ticket when changing itineraries, you should REFUND the original ticket and make a new reservation. Otherwise, if you make changes to refundable tickets, they become NON-REFUNDABLE!

Don't know whether this applies only to travel agency bookings, or whether it applies as well to internet and phone bookings with Southwest. While Southwest is tops in the industry in terms of charging no change or cancellation penalties, you pay top dollar for refundable tickets.

The solution is simple. Don't make date changes to a full-fare Southwest ticket. Just cancel and refund your ticket, then make a new booking. This will protect the refundability of your fare. This is a stupid policy, making more work for everyone ... but something to be aware of if you're traveling on Southwest.

copyright (c) 2017 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.