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Air travel is complex — some might say it’s like rocket science — finding a good deal on an airline ticket can be maddening.
If I had the time to help everyone get the best deal personally — I would. But alas, I have a company to run and a family I enjoy hanging out with, so I’ll let our technology at FareCompare.com do most of the talking — I hope you’ll let me take a journey with you, learn from you and maybe provide a nugget here and there that will take the “mystery” out of the craziness that is air travel — who doesn’t want to get to their your favorite destination with a few more $$$ in their pocket.
My wife and parents won’t admit it but I know they got a kick out me getting my mug on the front page of the business section in Dallas where I live (Plano to be exact). I have had the privilege to do call in shows for NPR Radio, TV Spots on the NBC Today Show, Good Morning America, 20/20,CBS Evening News, dozens of local TV news broadcasts on all networks and worked with dozens of print reporters on insider travel stories.
If there ever was a selection for a group of insiders related to airfare and specifically finding the cheapest airfares around the world — I am pretty sure I would be in the running since I have spent the last 7-years building airfare processing and quoting systems along with hotel reservation systems software from the ground up. At FareCompare.com we have one of the worlds largest databases of current and historic airfare that we mine to help people make better buying decsions.
Some might call me an airfare “geek”, but I prefer to use the term “middle-aged techie” coined in a recent profile done by Conde’ Nast Portfolio who did a very nice job of highlighting the genesis of FareCompare.com and the heart of what we are all about “technology to help travelers find the best deal”.
People ask me from time to time “What makes you an airfare expert?“.
I always find it difficult to answer that question, because I feel that the expert title should be earned not “marketed” and I don’t mind calling people out when i think expertise is being marketed — and I expect no less from you if you think I am full of it.
I hope to earn that title if you are willing to give me a small slice of your time on this blog.
That said, I figured the question of my “expertise” was important enough to ask our new content editor at FareCompare.com to interview me specifically on this question. I ran what she wrote by several people and they have told me it is spot on, even though it makes me blush a bit … so here goes:
AMERICA’S AIRFARE ANSWER MAN
Rick Seaney, CEO OF FareCompare.com
As a travel guru, Rick Seaney knows his limitations. Take France. “I can’t tell you everything about the glories of Paris,” he says, “but I can get you to Paris.” And he’ll get you there on the cheapest flight possible.
Because that’s what Rick and FareCompare.com are all about. Airfares. The cheapest ones.
How Does He Do It?
As a founder of FareCompare.com, Rick’s team has devised a system to track all the prices of an estimated 35-million U.S. and international flights, at any given time. But what really sets FareCompare.com apart from other airfare websites, is speed.
FareCompare.com lets you know about the cheapest possible fares HOURS before the competition. So you can be first in line, and save.
What does this service cost? Nothing. FareCompare.com is free.
But, back to the how-does-he-do-it part: Without going into trade secrets, let’s just say Rick and his team at FareCompare.com have developed a special software program that allows them to process airline fare information faster than anyone, including the airlines themselves!
Fearless Flier?
So, who IS Rick Seaney? A heroic, dashing aviator? An Indiana Jones of the jetset? Well, no. “I’m sort of the Mr. Magoo of flying,” says the mild-mannered Rick. “Odd things seem to happen to me.”
Like the time Rick was flying across Asia, and had to unexpectedly overnight on South Korea’s Jeju Island. “I’d never heard of the place,” said Rick. “But a couple of months later, when I was watching ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ it was the answer to the final question, and I got it! My family thought I was a genius. For about 10-minutes, anyway.”
Then there was his trip on Vladivostok Airlines. “My most memorable flight,” says Rick. “I got my boarding pass from a guy in a trench coat standing in the corner with a brief case instead of a desk. Then there were the airplane’s seats: the seats appeared to be metal folding chairs welded onto the cabin floor. I was scared #@*&?$-less.”
Inside Man
Rick has made speeches around the country on the airline industry, and has sat on the Airline Tariff Publishing Company airfare futures committees, the airline’s clearing house for all airfare information. FareCompare.com also provides the data for the popular Wall St. Journal/FareCompare.com Business Travel Index, which the paper began publishing this Spring.
And Rick gets letters. And he answers them. So far, Rick estimates he’s responded to at least 10,000 emails, on every possible topic involving flying. And the questions keep pouring in.
On Your Side
Lately, Rick’s been turning more of his attention to what he calls the death of customer service and the lack of passengers rights. It’s a problem that’s just getting worse, he says, and he gets an earful about it every day as he checks his email. So, he’s starting to spend more time figuring out how to get help for people who’ve been wronged by the airline industry. “Somebody’s got to do something,” he says, and he’s making his voice heard, on FareCompare.com.
Rick Seaney is not your average travel guru. But then again, FareCompare.com is not your average travel website.
I visited farecompare after seeing it on the msn website. I needed to purchase tickets to Leon, Mexico for my sisters wedding so I decided to use the sight. I punched in my destination using airport codes. When the sight came up it said Leon, Mexico, and I found tickets and times that worked for me.
When purchasing the tickets I was switched to Orbitz for payment. I wasn’t able to check my e-mail for conformation for 72 hours as I left town after purchasing them.
Well needless to say the tickets were wrong, no one would help me and I ended up paying as much for coach seats as I would have first class.
I went back and retraced what I had done and come find out, the actual mistake was made a faircompare. It seems that when I punched in the exact airport codes, and dates I needed, the web page came up Leon, Mexico but the airport code that was used for that page was Guadalajara.
I tried it again and the same thing happened. So have to say that it was farcompare.com fault for not haveing the right airport codes under their Leon web page. I take responsiblity for not noticing the mistake. I feel that you should reimburse me for the money I had to pay extra for.
Comment by Barb Fernandez — July 25, 2007 @ 9:55 pm
Comment by Rick Seaney — August 9, 2007 @ 4:11 pm
Hello Rick,
Rick….. what is your opinion on/of YTB (YourTravelBusiness)? Do you think they are good? bad? or indifferent?
http://WWW.CCRMTRAVELGROUP.NET ……
Comment by Ms Clark — August 23, 2007 @ 9:56 am
Just got your e-mail update on aloha’s fare specials and it made me realize I booked a return flight from Maui with a stop instead of a direct flight. This is a problem becauase we will have a our 22 month old daughter traveling with us and I’d like to make her time on the plane as short as possible. I contacted aloha and they want to charge a $125 change fee per ticket plus a price difference of $86.04 (the direct return flight I want to change to, per their website, has seats available for the return flight around $5 cheaper than what I paid). Do you have any suggestions on how I might be able to get the return flight changed without having to pay the change fee/so much extra money?
Comment by Kim — August 30, 2007 @ 1:42 pm
I just retured from a flight on US Air. When my baggage arrived my hard bow/archery case handle had been completely ripped off and was gone. $80.00 case is completely useless. When I went to make a claim, they said they do not cover “normal wear and tear” as well as damage to “extending handles” only contents inside and therefore could not institute a claim. I noticed that this was posted in the customer service baggage area but am dumbfounded that they can completely destroy a bag and not be liable. I’ve written a letter to US Airways central baggage explaining that the damage was not normal wear and tear and my handle was not an “extended handle” but rather a fixed handle. I was told by phone that it could take 6-8 weeks. Any other suggestions? Write DOT or Better Business Bureau. I can’t believe they can exclude liabiltiy in such a situation.
Thanks for the help.
Trip
Comment by trip — September 18, 2007 @ 10:10 am
Rick, HELP!
A friend sent me your website. I am planning a trip to New Zealand for my husband, daughter and myself to visit our college daughter studying abroad. I have been at the computer for a day and on the phone trying to find comfortable, and reasonable flights for three of us in November of 2007. My 6′5″ husband travels frequently, and has accumulated enough miles for at least one free ticket. Of course, there are no business class seats available when we really need them. He literally does not fit well in economy, as his knees dig into the seat back in front of him. Do you have any suggestions for us?? WE were told only 9 seats are released for upgrades-and if not sold, released at the last minute. I appreciate any words of wisdom.
Thank you,
Jennifer Hilmes
Comment by jennifer hilmes — September 20, 2007 @ 3:22 pm
2 questions:
1. How do I sign up to be on the international airfare alert? I don’t see a place to sign up anyplace on your website.
2. How do I buy a r/t international ticket with an open return flight online? Websites I use only list a return date to fill in and for searching, most only offer “cheapest flight”.
Thanks,
roberta
Comment by Roberta Breuer — September 20, 2007 @ 8:07 pm
Comment by Rick Seaney — September 20, 2007 @ 8:18 pm
nasa probably has several reasons for not releasinng their safety (or lack thereof) report. chief among them is not wanting to deal with negative comments. in my book, lack of forthrightness and transparency is a grave error that a supposedly democratic society cannot afford; that society will ever be skeptical, distrusting and their communications will be laced with sarcasm and frank disbelief. NASA give it to us. the sheer volume of responses will either make us happier and more believing or will move the powers that be to make deciions quicker and more in line with real safety measures.
Comment by blanche johnston — October 28, 2007 @ 3:54 pm
We are getting different answers from our calls to the airlines regarding when we have to pay for our baby’s seat. She will be departing with us before she turns 2, but we return ON her second birthday. Do we have to pay for a seat?
A friend is also flying with his son internationally and has the same question. His son turns 2 during their trip. One airline has told him that he will only have to pay $200 in taxes, but not have to pay for a seat as long as they depart prior to the 2nd birthday.
Can you help? Thank you.
Comment by Bonnie P — October 29, 2007 @ 1:02 pm
Comment by Rick Seaney — November 15, 2007 @ 10:38 pm
Comment by Rick Seaney — November 15, 2007 @ 10:43 pm
I would love to meet you!!! I would love to work with somebody so kind, and smart… Maybe I am too old, but I love to learn.
Comment by D. Valera — December 27, 2007 @ 4:54 pm
Hi Rick,
One of my friend referred me to your site and told me that you fight for air travel customer rights. Last Wednesday, 3/12/08, I flew back from Austin to NYC with Delta Connect, and encountered an experience where I though the flight staff stepped far over the line and how they interacted with me, threatening and berating me on multiple occasions for me offering help to people who were compelled to switch seats. I’m attaching my account of what happened:
http://www.sosauce.com/j/beerdog
I attest my account to be truthful, and other passengers on the plane in my section can bear witness as well. Please help.
Thanks very much, Howard
Comment by Howard — March 17, 2008 @ 11:16 am
Hi Rick, my earlier comment didnt get through for some reason. Let me briefly recount my experience with Delta to get your advice. I flew Delta Connect last Wednesday, 3/12/08, from Austin to JFK. After a 2.5 hour delay, when we boarded, the flight attendant came to the very back where my friend and I, along with a couple, were sitting. She told us that we had to be separated and one of us had to move. There were a couple of single travelers who volunteered but were ignored, and I offered my help and suggestion but was cut off. We did ended up switching seats based on my and another passengers suggestions. Later, the flight attendant came back to basically chew me out and threatened to call the police after we land. I then explained to her what I was trying to say, and I was threatened and cut off multiple times. As other passenger can attest, I didnt raise my voice or lose my temper, and didnt try to or did anything derogatory towards the attendant. Then, after we landed, the captain cut me off and wouldnt let me get off the plane. He told other passengers to get off first and demanded that I sit down or he would call the police, that he needed to talk to me. He accused me of being belligerent on the flight and accused me of vandalizing the plane for absent-mindedly sticking a worn luggage claim tag on the seat tray, which I promptly removed after the flight attendant told me to do so. The captain didnt gave me a chance to explain and pretty much berated me and threatened to call the police multiple times. I said that I wanted to file a complaint, which he scoffed at. I finally yelled and swore at the captain for bad service and bad airline practice, and he then led me to the agent like a school principal. The agent then listened to the captain story while I had to wait, and I was supposed to be the one filing a complaint. The captain then lied to the agent about how he asked me nicely while I was being hostile, which was completely the opposite, and which I had witnesses on the plane who should support me. When I was telling me side of the story, I was cut of multiple times, and I was surrounded by 4 people (3 agents and the captain). When I was finished, the agents went away to do something else and told me to wait. Then the captain left, and I was by myself waiting. After probably 5 minutes, I just told the agents that enough time was wasted and I wanted to leave. They didnt offer anymore assistance afterwards.
Sorry for the long story, as it is a bit difficult to describe with a few words. Please let me know what I can do to at least file a complaint, as I didnt find a way on Deltas website.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks very much,
Howard
Comment by Howard — March 17, 2008 @ 2:57 pm
Hi Rick:
What is your opinion about purchasing tickets for France. We are going on a family vacation in early October. Would you buy now or wait? The lowest price I have seen is about $955 r/t from PWM - MRS
Thanks
Jeff
Comment by Jeff — April 3, 2008 @ 1:55 pm
I have alerts coming in to my cell phone and would like to them to stop. When set-up the alerts (way back when the site was not this complicated) I didnt need to set-up an account or password. I cant login to the My Trips since I dont have a password and I cant use the reset function, because my cell phone doesnt receive the entire reset message (which seems to be trying to refer me back to the website, for some reason). HELP!!! I want these alerts to stop. How do I do this? How do I reset a password I never established???
Comment by Larissa — June 4, 2008 @ 9:27 pm
What is the maximum size for checked luggage at no charge for continental
Comment by Hunt Emory — June 22, 2008 @ 10:09 pm
Why am I not receiving my alerts on my e-mail? And what do the yellow stars represent on “My Trips” page under “More Details”?
Comment by Nancy McConaghy — July 18, 2008 @ 3:48 pm
Dear Rick,
How can I reach you or one of your colleagues for a conversation. I am doing research on international passsenger ticket pricing and am looking for data for several airlines going back to 2001. If you have that information in your database, I would like to discuss how I might obtain it. If you do not,I would appreciate any help you might lend as to where I might go to find it.
Comment by Diane Bone — August 18, 2008 @ 1:01 pm
Hi Rick,
I am hoping you may be able to help me. I am trying to find out if there is any way to get a postdated airfare quote (e.g. cost of a roundtrip ticket from Sacramento or SF to Vancouver in March 2008, purchased 30 days in advance) for the purpose of being reimbursed for travel to a conference.
Is the data that you analyze for trends in airfare price freely available? If so, where?
Please feel free to email me; I would really appreciate your help.
Thanks,
Kari
Comment by Kari — August 29, 2008 @ 4:31 pm
Rick,
I just heard from a local travel editor that I should have already purchased tickets for a spring break trip (March 28-April 4) to the Caribbean (from Minnesota). Is that true? I thought that some airlines (NWA) did not even put out all of their flight offerings for spring break until late November?
Terry
Comment by Terry Harris — September 19, 2008 @ 9:20 pm
Mr. Seaney,
I am a new Travel Agent, in Sweden. “Amadeus”. Just wanted to let you know how great of a website you have and service you do to everyone in the travel industry. I can keep up with current-events, staying informed to give me an extra edge in satisfying customers. Too many airlines and agencies see only a win situation. that must be changed to a win-win situation. Not only the airline and or travel agency should win, but first and foremost the paying customer. Its a heck-of-a-lot easier to market myself and abilities to a repeat-customer. I see a worrying trend in the industry of certain mentality, “if you dont like it, step aside, NEXT!” With lowering capacity to such a degree, and upping the traffic volume, their seems to be a strong developement of, if you dont like it, step aside because someone else will take it. That is just wrong on so many levels; how can one start to explain? Treat travellers as individuals with individual needs, because the customer not only pays the bills, it is the customer that pays our salaries. The feeling and reality of instability in structure and functionality pertaining to air travel providers, mainly, airlines, has created animosity amongst the paying customers, and rightly so, I might add. I am happy to see you support and work to establish a “Bill of Rights” for the flying customer. We must strive to regain a sense of stability and some form of foundation of trust must be built. For now, Its all up in the air.
Comment by Cliff — October 3, 2008 @ 7:39 am
Mr Seaney
We have an immigrant visa and will be flying from Mumbai india to Calgary (Alberta) Canada in May 2009. I have read on the internet that airlines give extra baggage allowance to pax flying on an immigrant visa on their first flight out of their home country. We wish to fly on Air Canada. The pax would include my husband and i and our 4 year old son. Could you please advice us as to which are the cheapest flights during that period with the maximum baggage allowance they would allow us.We would prefer a stop over in London UK.
Comment by R Paul — November 26, 2008 @ 1:16 am
I WENT FROM CLEVLAND TO CHARLOTTE AND NO FRIGHT UNTILL 5HR. LATER.NO ONE SAY WHY BUY IT NOT THERE FAULT.FLY TO PHOENI NO PLANE. TOLD TO WAITE UNTILL THE NEXT DAY AT 8AM. I HAD NO MONEY FOR A HOTEL.SLEEP AT AIRPORT FOR 8HR. I WILL WAITE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON I HOPE. 909-249-02230
310-400-2717
Comment by catherine page — December 15, 2008 @ 12:16 pm
hello ,
would like a direct email contact
Comment by nita — January 8, 2009 @ 11:55 am
Nice theme - did you build it?
Comment by Marlyn Demming — February 22, 2009 @ 12:55 pm
Rick, I find your airfare find of $306 from SDF to EGE very interesting since the Vail airport is closed through August 2009. I guess anything can be reduced when it doesn’t exist.
Comment by Rita — May 15, 2009 @ 12:35 pm
Rita,
We’re aware of the airport closure, and want to make sure this doesn’t happen again (it may be due to an automated system that did not take the closure into account). Please tell me how you received this fare information (was it from an alert?) and I’ll pass it along to my tech folks.
Rick
Comment by Rick Seaney — May 15, 2009 @ 3:13 pm
How do you find Multi City fares? I am going to AKL in Feb. 2010, then taking a cruze to Sydney and returning from Sydney to LAX.
I don’t see any Multi city listings on your website.
Comment by Jim McClelland — May 27, 2009 @ 2:39 pm
Jim,
Use this FareCompare link for booking multi-city trips: http://booking.farecompare.com/flights?mc=y
Hope this helps,
Rick
Comment by Rick Seaney — May 27, 2009 @ 5:34 pm