Online Security - often times, reviews in forums, blogs and similar websites are skewed or made up. Not all, but a majority of them are. If a company has been in business for three-years or more and they are in good standing with the aforementioned travel associations and their Privacy Policy states encryption and privacy protection, they are most likely to be a reputable company. If you're still uncertain about making a booking, contact customer service and tell them what your concerns are. If they get back to you within 24-hours addressing your concerns and sharing a bit about the company with you, they are likely to be a reputable organization with the best intentions.

Airline Websites - one advantage of Orbitz.com & Travelocity.com, websites jointly owned by major U.S. airlines, is that it is easy to use and shows only the fares for which actual booking is available at the moment.

Service Charges - some online travel booking sites sometimes charge small fees to issue airline tickets. With the airlines cutting their commissions, such fees may increase. Even orbitz.com added a $20.99 service charge.

Change Fees - Priceline.com has eliminated all cancellation and change fees on every published-price airline ticket and hotel room where changes or cancellations are allowed.

Best Prices - Try to be flexible in your departure day and time to compare your flight option pricing as taking later flights or changing the day you depart may significantly affect the quoted price. Maybe you can take advantage of coming into town a day early to meet with that prospective client?