Flights by Celebrity - More Expensive Now?

[dazey]

I have booked through Flights by Celebrity for many years now and the pricing was always in line with what I could see going direct with airline.  However, I booked a flight to FLL and their pricing was just under $200 more or 27% more.  I called and the person I spoke to said the pricing was correct and the advantage was that I did not have to pay until final payment date. Of course, if I paid for it immediately we all know it would be the same price so I am certain he was new or not knowledgeable.  

 

I have never had this happened before and wonder if anyone else has found this higher pricing to be the norm now.

 

 

[publicpersona]

I have never found Flights by Celebrity to be price competitive with booking direct or through certain other travel agencies, except for the occasional international consolidator fares they sometimes can offer.

 

I no longer even check them for domestic flights.

[leaveitallbehind]

Our current experience with flights booked for a November cruise was the cost was exactly the same as the airlines.  Maybe fares were changing when you called but FBC gets pricing directly from the airlines and would not likely be resulting from the experience level of the rep you were talking with. That being said I would not put any possibility by an IT link up!

 

From your experience with FBC in the past has you know the advantages of using that service.  We also have used them for a number of cruises both with Celebrity and RCCL (same service) with good success and have found fares to be the same as the airlines with domestic flights and often somewhat less costly with international flights.

 

Maybe check the airline website again or call FBC again to see if there still is a fare difference.

Edited April 27 by leaveitallbehind

[leaveitallbehind]

13 minutes ago, publicpersona said:

I have never found Flights by Celebrity to be price competitive with booking direct or through certain other travel agencies, except for the occasional international consolidator fares they sometimes can offer.

 

I no longer even check them for domestic flights.

I agree completely that you are correct regarding domestic and international fares through FBC, which is supported by our experience as well.  We don't use FBC looking for a better fare, but for the advantages of not having to pay (in most cases) until final payment date with the cruise, the flexibility of changing or canceling prior to final payment without penalty, and the ability to rebook at favorable fare changes prior to final payment, should they occur.

 

For these reasons we often use them for domestic flights. JMO.

Edited April 27 by leaveitallbehind

[jwlane]

From what I've seen, negotiated discounted rates aren't as prevalent (if at all) as in the past.  FBC is more or less just offering published rates.

[ShawninFL]

In the past we always found FBC to have better pricing on international flights than we could find with published rates; however, in the last year, we have found FBC to be higher or no better than we could find direct.  So we booked directly with the airline.  This way, should something go wrong, we can deal directly with the airline.

[Georgia_Peaches]

We booked via FBC for our upcoming Alaska cruise.  The flight to Seattle was the same as the carrier.  The advantage was not having to pay for the flights up front.  In your circumstance, I would not pay 27% more just to have the ability to pay later.

[Sailing12Away]

Was just checking prices today for our trip in March 2025. Prices by Celebrity are $1 more than booking directly the 2 separate trips (different airlines going/coming based on times needed) with the individual carriers.

Came here to find out what was I missing as to the reason I would book through Celebrity and it doesn't seem like much. I don't care about not paying until closer to cruise date - it's just another expense to track and budget for. I'm in the book it, pay it, forget about it camp.

 

We have a flight credit with Delta - would I even be able to use that when booking the flight through Celebrity if half the trip is Delta and half is JetBlue? What about wanting to possibly upgrade to comfort plus if prices drop - are you able to easily do that or would you have to cancel the original flights through Celebrity and rebook as new? And for seats it just says 'pre-assigned seats' - but does that mean I get to pick them, or Celebrity has a bucket of seats and I'll be granted one of those?

I'm still scoffing at the idea of having to pay $600/pp to go from JFK to Tampa, but I guess the days of hopping down to Florida for sub $200 are long gone.

[1Virgo]

for us, the big reason to book FBC is in the event of a weather or mechanical delay, they will get you to the ship even if on a different airline.  (happened to us with a plane mechanical and at that time could not go to port a day or two before)

The last FBC we booked for last month cruise, I didnt see any savings

 

[jwlane]

16 minutes ago, Sailing12Away said:

We have a flight credit with Delta - would I even be able to use that

No.

[CNSfromHI]

1 hour ago, 1Virgo said:

for us, the big reason to book FBC is in the event of a weather or mechanical delay, they will get you to the ship even if on a different airline.  (happened to us with a plane mechanical and at that time could not go to port a day or two before)

The last FBC we booked for last month cruise, I didnt see any savings

 

☝️☝️☝️☝️ This.

 

cjr

[paulh84]

2 hours ago, 1Virgo said:

for us, the big reason to book FBC is in the event of a weather or mechanical delay, they will get you to the ship even if on a different airline

 

 

Is this in writing somewhere? Everything on the website refers back to FBC "working with the airline to........" which is ultimately exactly what you do yourself when there is a delay. If you are trying to get to some obscure port a few days into a cruise, that may not be much help. After two FBC booking attempts I have doubts they are adept at accomplishing anything outside from taking a reservation via phone. 

[1Virgo]

9 minutes ago, paulh84 said:

 

Is this in writing somewhere? Everything on the website refers back to FBC "working with the airline to........" which is ultimately exactly what you do yourself when there is a delay. If you are trying to get to some obscure port a few days into a cruise, that may not be much help. After two FBC booking attempts I have doubts they are adept at accomplishing anything outside from taking a reservation via phone. 

Protection

When you use Flights by Celebrity℠ to book your air travel, we’ve got your back. You enjoy 24/7 travel service, so you have the peace of mind knowing there’s someone looking out for you. Our Flights by Celebrity℠ Specialists are on hand monitoring your flights, so if there are any delays or cancellations that jeopardize your travel plans, they’ll work quickly with the airline to get you on the next available flight to get you to your ship. So, take comfort in booking your complete vacation with us all at once, and let us take care of everything.

[paulh84]

6 minutes ago, 1Virgo said:

 

Protection

When you use Flights by Celebrity℠ to book your air travel, we’ve got your back. You enjoy 24/7 travel service, so you have the peace of mind knowing there’s someone looking out for you. Our Flights by Celebrity℠ Specialists are on hand monitoring your flights, so if there are any delays or cancellations that jeopardize your travel plans, they’ll work quickly with the airline to get you on the next available flight to get you to your ship. So, take comfort in booking your complete vacation with us all at once, and let us take care of everything.

 

Exactly. It doesn't say they will rebook you on any airline to get you there. If I have a delay I'm 99% sure I could rebook my self through the airline app or at the gate more efficiently than calling FBC and having them have the conversation for me. 

[YankeesFan4Life]

I have been stalking airfare for a few months since booking.  Flying EWR-FLL in the middle of summer, airfare is RIDICULOUS.  It was going up every day, and after calling FBC I hesitated and then the fare went up again.  I ended up holding it with them, then found it to be cheaper to fly in the day before, on a different airline and into a nearby airport (PBI) and staying overnight in a hotel than what I had originally booked.  A big sigh of relief knowing that I was able to change the day/time/airport with no issue and since then the fare rose well over $100pp.  

 

Originally I booked because I was afraid of any kind of mechanical/weather/other delays etc, but very relieved that I was able to get in the day before.  Oh yes, they were about $30 or so higher than what the airlines had posted, but they said it a small price to pay for their service.  Worth it to me to be honest.

[mahasamatman]

23 minutes ago, paulh84 said:

Exactly. It doesn't say they will rebook you on any airline to get you there.

 

Look at the airline's Contract of Carriage. Most will rebook you on another airline if necessary.

[Jeremiah1212]

24 minutes ago, mahasamatman said:

 

Look at the airline's Contract of Carriage. Most will rebook you on another airline if necessary.

 

That part isn't clear cut at all. Most will only pursue that option if the delay or cancelation is their responsibility (like a maintenance issue or crew time out) and they cannot reaccommodate you on their metal and the partner/OAL has to agree to take the ticket and the other airline has open seats. There are also odd rules about codeshares, etc too. If a delay is due to weather or anything else outside of control of the airline (like a strike or air traffic issue) they aren't paying to put you on another airline. In reality there is nothing magic or special Celebrity can offer.

 

If you get stuck stateside in Chicago or Atlanta then have to attempt to meet up with the ship in a place like Santorini, Mykonos or Naples during peak summer travel, the stars better align because it's just likely to happen.

[1Virgo]

1 hour ago, paulh84 said:

 

Exactly. It doesn't say they will rebook you on any airline to get you there. If I have a delay I'm 99% sure I could rebook my self through the airline app or at the gate more efficiently than calling FBC and having them have the conversation for me. 

We had a flight mechanical which meant we would miss the ship. I called FBC and 10 minutes later call back with reservations on a different airline. We flew to new city where ship was, and were picked up by a private driver.   If booked thru FBC, they handle it.  no additional charge

 

I know there are new staff at Celebrity and FBC.   Why dont you call and ask?  

 

 

[Georgia_Peaches]

2 minutes ago, 1Virgo said:

We had a flight mechanical which meant we would miss the ship. I called FBC and 10 minutes later call back with reservations on a different airline. We flew to new city where ship was, and were picked up by a private driver.   If booked thru FBC, they handle it.  no additional charge

 

I know there are new staff at Celebrity and FBC.   Why dont you call and ask?  

 

 

Last March we almost missed our cruise to the Mexican Riviera due to AA mechanical issues.  We did not use FBC and were in panic mode for nearly 24 hours.  With a little luck and A LOT of help from people here on CC, we were literally the last people to board the ship.  Though we were in contact with the shoreside concierge as well as the port agent, there was no guarantee we'd make it and getting to the ship at the first available port would have been on our dime.  So yes, FBC seems like a no brainer to me. 

 

It's not for everyone...and there was a time when I definitely poo-pooed the benefits...not any more.

[D. B.]

3 hours ago, paulh84 said:

 

Is this in writing somewhere? Everything on the website refers back to FBC "working with the airline to........" which is ultimately exactly what you do yourself when there is a delay. If you are trying to get to some obscure port a few days into a cruise, that may not be much help. After two FBC booking attempts I have doubts they are adept at accomplishing anything outside from taking a reservation via phone. 

Twice they have pulled off flight changes that got me where I was trying to go when my original flight was cancelled at the last min. while I was At the airport!

 Once I had to get on one flight while agents of FBC  were working on a replacement for the next leg and I had to turn off my phone when the cabin door was closed.

 I went to the airlines desk as soon as my present flight landed and was told "It's all been taken care of and here is your new flight information" 

 FBC only books flights that are Refundable most of the time. You can book directly with an airline at a non refundable ticket.

 Also you do not have to Pay for your reserved flights till 90 days before the sailing date.

 I sometimes pay the balance early if that  allows me to do seat selection.

[Sailing12Away]

7 hours ago, jwlane said:

No.

Then there's zero reason for me to us them. If something out of the norm happens and we miss our cruise, it's someone up above telling us it wasn't meant to be and we're fine doing something else instead.

[Jeremiah1212]

14 hours ago, D. B. said:

Twice they have pulled off flight changes that got me where I was trying to go when my original flight was cancelled at the last min. while I was At the airport!

 Once I had to get on one flight while agents of FBC  were working on a replacement for the next leg and I had to turn off my phone when the cabin door was closed.

 I went to the airlines desk as soon as my present flight landed and was told "It's all been taken care of and here is your new flight information" 

 FBC only books flights that are Refundable most of the time. You can book directly with an airline at a non refundable ticket.

 Also you do not have to Pay for your reserved flights till 90 days before the sailing date.

 I sometimes pay the balance early if that  allows me to do seat selection.

 

If you check the airline app almost all of them will automatically rebook you on the next available flight once your original flight get canceled and/or give you an option to change that flight. That's not Flights by Celebrity magic accomplishing that. I'm well aware of the selling features but I am quite certain most people greatly overestimate what they are actually doing in these scenarios. 

[ScottC4746]

On 4/27/2024 at 3:37 AM, dazey said:

I have booked through Flights by Celebrity for many years now and the pricing was always in line with what I could see going direct with airline.  However, I booked a flight to FLL and their pricing was just under $200 more or 27% more.  I called and the person I spoke to said the pricing was correct and the advantage was that I did not have to pay until final payment date. Of course, if I paid for it immediately we all know it would be the same price so I am certain he was new or not knowledgeable.  

 

I have never had this happened before and wonder if anyone else has found this higher pricing to be the norm now.

 

 

We used them in 2022 from LAX to SEA and was disappointed.  When we booked, they offered only Delta non stop.  Knowing American, Alaska, and United offered nonstop at the time we went with it.  The return flight was so painfully late we had to sit in the airport for hours with no access to the airport lounge with Delta's new rules, we could no longer buy a day pass.

 

We are doing the same cruise again and booked direct with American.  Since I have lounge access with them we can use Alaska's lounge in Seattle.

[D. B.]

1 hour ago, Jeremiah1212 said:

 

If you check the airline app almost all of them will automatically rebook you on the next available flight once your original flight get canceled and/or give you an option to change that flight. That's not Flights by Celebrity magic accomplishing that. I'm well aware of the selling features but I am quite certain most people greatly overestimate what they are actually doing in these scenarios. 

When they found me new flights it was with completely different airlines and at no extra cost.

Also I was moved to the front of the standby Q.

best was that I was on the plane with no cell service or WiFi.