If you are planning a trip and decide to call AAA travel services to book your flight, please be aware that your membership fee only allows you to get an agent on the phone, but there will be a processing fee and then when your reservations are completed, you will have to go online for a seat assignment, or have to stand online at the airport.
Their web page offers the following tips:
Tip #1: Make your reservation early.
Many discount fares require that you make a reservation 7, 14 or 21 days in advance, depending on the fare. The best international fares often require a reservation 30 days in advance. Making a reservation as soon as you know your travel dates increases your chances of finding a great fare.
Tip #2: Flying on a weekday usually costs less.
Flights departing on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday usually offer the lowest fares. Fares are sometimes (but not always) higher on Monday and Friday than on other weekdays. Saturday flights occasionally have discount fares, but as a rule it's more expensive to fly on a weekend than a weekday.
Tip #3: Stay over a Saturday night
Most low fares require that you stay over at least one Saturday night before your return flight. However, some fares may only require you to stay a minimum of 3 or 4 days.
Tip #4: Did we mention you should make your reservation early?
Airlines sell only a limited number of seats at the lowest fares. When those seats sell out, the price goes up!
Tip #5: Consider an airport in the surrounding area.
You may enjoy significant savings if you are willing to fly into nearby airports. For example, when traveling to Los Angeles (LAX), you may want to consider flying into the Burbank (BUR), Orange County (SNA) or Ontario (ONT) airports. Similarly, the cost of a trip to San Francisco (SFO) might be reduced by flying into San Jose (SJC) or Oakland (OAK), while travel to Miami (MIA) may be less expensive if you fly into Ft. Lauderdale (FLL).
Tip #6: Try an earlier or later travel date.
To get the lowest round trip fare, the same fare must be available on both the departing and return flights you select. If the fare is sold out on either of these, the price you end up with will be much higher. If possible, consider flying on another date.
Tip #7: Book your trip with AAA New York!
Not just a website - we work for you 24/7! AAA New York offers multiple ways to search for travel, especially customized for your needs.
We missed any mention of a processing fee, or that they will not provide you with a boarding pass.
City Island Images was not aware of this practice, so we inquired and were told that most members are aware of this. When we asked to see the statistics we were told that a supervisor would be sending them along.
We are waiting and will let you know as soon as we hear back.