AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Talk Belize Travel Anyone ever use "sky auction", or comparable, to buy tickets to Belize?

I have used SkyAuction 3 times. I got our aifare to Belize for our upcoming trip (OCt. 20-Nov. 4) there and have also done Guatemala and Mexico trips thru them. I have never had a problem getting the dates I wanted, although you need to be flexible enough to be okay with your 'second choice' dates. And I have always gotten good flight times. All three of my trips were on Continental Airline. SkyAuction only contracts through reputable airlines, I believe. They also provide service on American to Mexico and Central America. To other parts of the world you might fly international airlines like British Air, Virgin, Air Jamaica, etc.

The downside to SkyAuction -- be forewarned -- is that I believe SkyAuction has a security problem. Here's why I think so: Someone used my American Express card to order nearly $10,000 worth of computer equipment a couple of weeks ago. The address they used in doing so was an incorrect street address but in my hometown. This incorrect address is exactly the same one that SkyAuction has on file for me -- they sent me tickets via Fed Ex to that address. The second reason I believe the perpetrator is someone who has access to SkyAuction data is because the crook ordered all this equipment when I was out of the country on a SkyAuction trip and conveniently unavailable to confirm or deny purchases. The third reason I believe the perpetrator is someone who has access to SkyAuction data is because today I received a phone call from a gentleman in California whose American Express card has also been illicitly used to order computer equipment. The phone number the perpetrator used when placing the online order was my phone number. I asked the gentleman if he used SkyAuction and he said, "yes, all the time." And he, too, was out of town when equipment was ordered and charged to his account.

Conincidence? Maybe. But at the risk of being accused of starting conspiracy theory rumors, I think folks ought to be careful using SkyAuction right now. I happen to like the site and will continue to bid for great deals but I now have a new AmEx number and they'll only get it via phone. I am not liable for any of the charges, by the way, and on the biggest chunk of them, the online merchant would not release the order anyhow since they could not reach me. Disconcerting, nonetheless.

So there you go, SkyAuction is a great example -- both bad and good -- of the power of the Internet. I still think it's a great concept.

Everybody seems to have ignored my post about LatinDiscounters.com, Doesn't anybody like me? LOL. Seriously, I'm just curious as to why you would buy from SkyAution and play "Itinerary Roulette", when the average ticket to Belize on Sky Auction goes for $350-$380 + $76 Tax, and in my case, to fly from CA, an addional $75, this adds up to over $500. At LatinDiscounters, a ticket on Continental is $542 total (cheaper from other states). So, for about the same price, I have a guaranteed ticket, and I get to see when and how I'm flying before I purchase. I'm not bashing Sky Auction, and I don't work for LatinDiscounters, I just want to know if I am missing something, and there is a reason people would do this, maybe the thrill of not knowing when and how you were going to travel until you purchased, or is it just more fun to buy at an auction? LOL

lyndend...I think people have just missed your posts about LatinDiscounters.com. I had never heard of it but will certainly check it out before our next trip. We only fly from New Orleans which is very close to Belize (well, relatively close). Should be able to get a REAL good deal.
Thanks

Dave,
I am almost positive that Jesse left the island the day the storm began to go to Houston(?) because of his heart attack he had. Think he was going for a thorough check in the states. It had been planned before Keith reared his ugly head. He should be coming back soon to AC. Good luck on the property. We have never regretted buying there...not even after Keith...LOL
Our only regret is that we are not already living on the island and able to be there to help with the cleanup.
If for some reason, Jesse doesn't return soon and you need help, I recommend Southwind Properties. They are great also. Will be able to help you.

I, too, will look at latindiscounters in the future. The reason I used SkyAuction was for the exceptionally low prices I got on package -- airfare and hotel accommodations at the Radisson in Antigua, Guatemala for $350 -- plus, of course the $75 tax -- total of $425 each -- less than I would have paid for airfare alone. And I travel from Omaha which is not inexpensive. My package to Puerto vallart was $256 for airfare and hotel, albeit from Dallas. My thought is that SkyAuction is GREAT for airfare/hotel packages and it is GREAT is you want to go somewhere (Like Guat) where typical tourists don't go. I have noticed that SkyAuction packages to the Caribbean for instance are expensive -- about as much as you would pay throug a travel agent -- and they mostly leave from Miami -- again, cost prohibitive for me coming from Omaha. Again, like SkyAuction but you have to be savvy about using it. THANKS again for the latindiscounters tip -- I will definitely investigate that!

Yes Susan, I have noticed Sky Auction has some good deals on packages. Last month I was bidding on tickets at Sky Auction to take my wife to Kona, HA for our anniversary, the tickets were First Class TWA direct LAX-Kona for about $800 each, this is a good deal for First Class Tix. I then went to the TWA site and found TWA has only one flight in, and out of Kona a day. My return flight would have been leaving Kona at 11:45 PM and arriving LAX at 6:30 AM This is NOT how I would like to end a nice vacation!(we're going to Belize in Jan instead) I realize this Red Eye flight home is not Sky Auction's fault, but you do have to ask yourself "why are they selling so cheap?" but like you said, it can also be cheap if you are going to a not so popular spot.

Just be forewarned...Whenever you are buying tickets off the internet, you don't really know who you are buying from. My trip to AC was scheduled for this week. I called Continental and they gladly cancelled and refunded the tickets, but they were bought through a consolidator, and the travel agent won't refund their portion of the ticket price. I will end up losing almost half of what I paid for tickets (not at all the airlines fault). I am having to dispute through my credit card company. Anyway, whoever you buy from, be aware that if plans change, you will lose some money! I will never make that mistake again!

Yes you get what you pay for (always read the fine print).I think you'll find on most airlines, you must pay a premium to have a ticket with no penalties. However, 50% is a rip off. I know with my tickets through LatinDicounters, it cost $75 to change, $100 to cancell (before departure), and of course if you are really absent minded and forget to cancell before departure, you lose it all! LatinDiscounters is a division of Ole Travel.

Have used SkyAuction for several trips to Caribbean with great success. Currently have trip to Belize in January on Continental from Boston through Houston. Got the flights I wanted at a very reasonable price. Just went to LatinDiscounters.com to compare and SkyAuction prices were about $75.00 less. As with any flight, I think the further out your flight is, the better your chances of getting the flight/seat you want. The caution about credit card is well taken. I think that in the very near future all credit card companies will be using "smart cards" to prevent this sort of thing. Another caution about SkyAcution...it is an auction and you have to avoid being caught up in the "excitement" and forget about how much you're bidding vs. what that trip will cost you elsewhere. Good Luck!

I used Priceline in April of this yr. to bid for mid-June trip to Belize. Got it for $300 plus taxes for total of around $360. Flew from DC National to Houston to Belize City all on Continental & on well-timed flights. Could not have been happier!