In Reply to: they like to play with your money posted by cliff on Thursday, 30. June 2005 at 23:00 Bali Time:
cliff this is not quite correct. Different fares have different rules, including when the ticket has to be issued. Package airfares often have an advance purchase requirement, most of the specials in Australia require early payment. Even a normal package fare has to be paid in full around 6 - 7 weeks prior to departure. A normal fare without the accommodation package has to be ticketed 30 days prior to travel, or if booked within the 30 days of departure within a few days. We can't just hold on to the money and play with it until a week or so prior to departure as the arlines will cancel if not ticketed on time. Most wholesalers try to get the tickets and vouchers for packages to the agents at least 4 weeks prior to departure although some are slow and send them out 2 weeks prior. At times of the year when they are busy it may also take a little longer. If you have booked a normal fare you should get your ticket within a couple of days of payment.