flights by celebrity

[crown cruisers]

Has anyone ever booked through the cruise line -- Celebrity Air flights by celebrity

 

[CruiserBruce]

There are MANY discussions here on using the various cruise line air programs with their pluses and minuses.

 

Do you have specific questions?

[crown cruisers]

I was curious if the one through celebrity held up to its promises.. I already booked flight to Europe great price just wondering

 

[fbgd]

1 hour ago, crown cruisers said:

I was curious if the one through celebrity held up to its promises..

 

You'll need to be a bit more specific about those "promises". Afraid my crystal ball is broken.

Edited October 24, 2018 by fbgd

[crown cruisers]

Flights by Celebrity^SM is the best way to ensure you get exactly what you want in air travel—the best rates, the flexibility to personalize your flight plans, and the security in knowing there’s a staff of dedicated Flights by Celebrity Specialists available 24/7 to provide any assistance you may need along the way. Together, Celebrity Cruises and Flights by Celebrity take care of all your vacation needs—from the time you book your cruise to the time you arrive home.

Now, booking your complete vacation—including air travel—is easier than ever. And, unlike other travel services, you get all these premium benefits with absolutely no booking fees.

[FlyerTalker]

Crown Cruisers - thanks for my daily laugh.  Try reading the actual terms and conditions, not just the marketing blurb.

 

Caveat Emptor.

[crown cruisers]

Glad I made your day. Just Forget about it. All I was just trying to see IF anyone ever used the service -nothing in depth.  ENJOY your day on me 

[DogLover]

Crown cruisers,

There are multiple posts regarding the pros and cons of booking cruise line air arrangements, and specific to Celebrity Air. Please understand that although the marketing information from Celebrity implies you will be taken care of, the limitations of your fare class (ie contracted fare with restrictions) will determine alternate air arrangements should something go south. Unlike booking directly with the airline, the fare basis Celebrity offers is quite different.

 

Many cruisers have booked Celebrity Air without any problems, others have encountered an "alternate reality." There are no guarantees. Might want to search this forum and make your own determination.

 

Good luck!

[rdt10]

I've use celebrity air 3 times to Europe and saved about 50% of the airline cost. Except for dealing with schedule changes everything went fine so can't talk about the downsides. I felt the savings were worth the risk and fly in early so if there are problems there is time to deal with them. If the cost is similar to the airlines, I would book direct.

[wizfourfam]

Have been watching airfare to London Heathrow from PHX, and it is jumping all over the place, up to a $500.00 pp swing!  IS THIS NORMAL?  We don’t cruise until June 19, but will go in a couple days earlier.  I prefer to book direct with the airlines or Celebrity.  When using other providers, have sometimes had flight times changed without much recourse.  Can anyone give me tips on booking airfare?  First time going to Europe

[crown cruisers]

6 hours ago, rdt10 said:

I've use celebrity air 3 times to Europe and saved about 50% of the airline cost. Except for dealing with schedule changes everything went fine so can't talk about the downsides. I felt the savings were worth the risk and fly in early so if there are problems there is time to deal with them. If the cost is similar to the airlines, I would book direct.

Thank you. Appreciate the input

 

6 hours ago, wizfourfam said:

Have been watching airfare to London Heathrow from PHX, and it is jumping all over the place, up to a $500.00 pp swing!  IS THIS NORMAL?  We don’t cruise until June 19, but will go in a couple days earlier.  I prefer to book direct with the airlines or Celebrity.  When using other providers, have sometimes had flight times changed without much recourse.  Can anyone give me tips on booking airfare?  First time going to Europe

Our first to Europe and flying June 10 from IND and celebrity was much cheaper even with an upgrade so we are doing Celebrity and hope for the best too.

[fbgd]

7 hours ago, wizfourfam said:

Have been watching airfare to London Heathrow from PHX, and it is jumping all over the place, up to a $500.00 pp swing!  IS THIS NORMAL?  We don’t cruise until June 19, but will go in a couple days earlier.  I prefer to book direct with the airlines or Celebrity.  When using other providers, have sometimes had flight times changed without much recourse.  Can anyone give me tips on booking airfare?  First time going to Europe

 

Yes. Airfare's primary pricing function is demand. $500 per person swing really isn't that much for a longhaul fare.

 

Airlines only sell a certain number of seats at a given price-point, when those are gone then you're buying in the next fare category up. Revenue Management (that control the number of available seats at given prices) may release seats back into the lower categories causing the price to drop, but if there's sufficient demand there's no reason to do so.

 

The end of May to early September is peak season for leisure travel to Europe, whilst business travel is down during the summer months. You'll find that economy class prices are generally higher, but that business and first class seats, if you aren't looking at them already, are often at a large discount. Some people love to have airfare booked a year out because it's one less thing to worry about, others (judging by some of the threads on here) will spend an astonishing number of hours over weeks and months fretting about it. Nobody can tell you if you should buy now or not, that's down to your own preferences and what you value.

 

PHX-London has literally dozens of permutations, obviously the non-stop flights are going to be at a premium but if you don't mind connecting you have easy one stop options through ORD, DFW, DEN, JFK, PHL, IAH, LAX, SFO, SLC, SEA, PDX, EWR, BOS, MIA, ATL, MSP, DTW or practically any other hub. 

[crown cruisers]

11 hours ago, DogLover said:

Crown cruisers,

There are multiple posts regarding the pros and cons of booking cruise line air arrangements, and specific to Celebrity Air. Please understand that although the marketing information from Celebrity implies you will be taken care of, the limitations of your fare class (ie contracted fare with restrictions) will determine alternate air arrangements should something go south. Unlike booking directly with the airline, the fare basis Celebrity offers is quite different.

 

Many cruisers have booked Celebrity Air without any problems, others have encountered an "alternate reality." There are no guarantees. Might want to search this forum and make your own determination.

 

Good luck!

thank you

[FlyerTalker]

22 hours ago, crown cruisers said:

I was curious if the one through celebrity held up to its promises.. I already booked flight to Europe great price just wondering

 

 

Yep...price was great so buy it first.

 

And then, after the purchase is made, we ask if the "promises" we expect are actually delivered.  Not research before, but seeking confirmation afterwards.

 

 

[crown cruisers]

1 hour ago, FlyerTalker said:

 

Yep...price was great so buy it first.

 

And then, after the purchase is made, we ask if the "promises" we expect are actually delivered.  Not research before, but seeking confirmation afterwards.

 

 

Dear flyertalker

I did review the terms and etc as I said prior I wanted to see if anyone used them.  Sorta like a person books who books a cruise and ask question. (Hope you don't hassle them for their comments)..

You should be happy you are such a perfect person and don't have to rely on asking anything.  Good for you. 😁

As I stated prior when you had a laugh for the day... I was just asking.

I"m glad I have a good self imagine and don't let comments like your effect me ... Remember***laughing and making comments could hurt some people *** 

Glad I just look at source.

You have a great day!

[1982CruzStart]

32 minutes ago, crown cruisers said:

Dear flyertalker

I did review the terms and etc as I said prior I wanted to see if anyone used them.  Sorta like a person books who books a cruise and ask question. (Hope you don't hassle them for their comments)..

You should be happy you are such a perfect person and don't have to rely on asking anything.  Good for you. 😁

As I stated prior when you had a laugh for the day... I was just asking.

I"m glad I have a good self imagine and don't let comments like your effect me ... Remember***laughing and making comments could hurt some people *** 

Glad I just look at source.

You have a great day!

We booked air to Japan through Celebrity a few years ago. We did it because the cost was a little less but more importantly it allowed us to cancel for a minimal fee for our business class flights.  Everything went smoothly so can't help you with how good they are at remedying problems.  Hope all goes well for you. 

[wizfourfam]

3 hours ago, fbgd said:

 

Yes. Airfare's primary pricing function is demand. $500 per person swing really isn't that much for a longhaul fare.

 

Airlines only sell a certain number of seats at a given price-point, when those are gone then you're buying in the next fare category up. Revenue Management (that control the number of available seats at given prices) may release seats back into the lower categories causing the price to drop, but if there's sufficient demand there's no reason to do so.

 

The end of May to early September is peak season for leisure travel to Europe, whilst business travel is down during the summer months. You'll find that economy class prices are generally higher, but that business and first class seats, if you aren't looking at them already, are often at a large discount. Some people love to have airfare booked a year out because it's one less thing to worry about, others (judging by some of the threads on here) will spend an astonishing number of hours over weeks and months fretting about it. Nobody can tell you if you should buy now or not, that's down to your own preferences and what you value.

 

PHX-London has literally dozens of permutations, obviously the non-stop flights are going to be at a premium but if you don't mind connecting you have easy one stop options through ORD, DFW, DEN, JFK, PHL, IAH, LAX, SFO, SLC, SEA, PDX, EWR, BOS, MIA, ATL, MSP, DTW or practically any other hub. 

 

Would love to try business class, but at this point in time the price is prohibitive.  Any idea of what the lower rate would be?

Have also checked flights out of LAS and LAX, which are cheaper than PHX.  Would have to get there, just another possible glitch in getting to LHR.  Not looking for el cheapo flights, just reasonably priced.  Would kick myself if that 2000.00 flight went down to 1400.00 a few days later.  That is why I am researching now.

 

Thanks for your input!

[fbgd]

1 hour ago, wizfourfam said:

 

Would love to try business class, but at this point in time the price is prohibitive.  Any idea of what the lower rate would be?

 

Based on my experience prices vary year on year, I'd say $2500 p.p. is a reasonable target price for business class on BA from your average US airport to the UK, although from PHX with the non-stop you might not have anything sale wise because there isn't much competition, so $3000-$3500 p.p wouldn't be unreasonable. You can expect better fares from airports with multiple airlines offering non-stop to London.

 

You'll probably end up having to wait until much nearer the time if you're wanting to take advantage. The summer discounted business/first class fares aren't often announced until a month or so before. If they don't come or you can't justify the price then you'll have missed the boat on the cheaper economy fares by several months.

 

Whilst this may be new for you, for those of us who routinely book flights it's completely common to pull the trigger early. There are some international routes I've flown around 100 times and yet I still don't have a definite handle on what fares are going to be. Sometimes I get burned, sometimes I luck out. The key is to find a price you are happy with (research and monitor) and don't look back.

Edited October 25, 2018 by fbgd

[nini]

wizfourfam and Crown Cruisers:

We just returned home from our first trip to Europe- did a Med. cruise which I booked 18 months before the cruise. I diligently researched this board for information and we booked our flights about 4 months before departure.

We booked through Celebrity and flew from Seatac to Rome ( Seatac to Heathrow and then Heathrow to Rome). This was on British Airways and we paid $696.00 round trip for economy. The return flight was Rome to DFW and then to Seattle both on American Airlines.

Just know that the prices fluctuate on a daily if not hourly basis!

[waterbug123]

On 10/24/2018 at 3:26 PM, crown cruisers said:

Flights by Celebrity^SM is the best way to ensure you get exactly what you want in air travel—the best rates, the flexibility to personalize your flight plans, and the security in knowing there’s a staff of dedicated Flights by Celebrity Specialists available 24/7 to provide any assistance you may need along the way. Together, Celebrity Cruises and Flights by Celebrity take care of all your vacation needs—from the time you book your cruise to the time you arrive home.

Now, booking your complete vacation—including air travel—is easier than ever. And, unlike other travel services, you get all these premium benefits with absolutely no booking fees.

 

There really isn't any "promise" listed here; it's just a feel-good marketing blurb.  That said let's break it down:

1.  They "promise" the best rates.  Except there have been multiple examples given in various threads here and on individual airline boards in which pax found cheaper prices booking directly through the airline.   Sometimes the cruise line is cheaper but not always, so I wouldn't hold them to the "promise" of "the best rates."

 

2.  They promise "flexibility to personalize your flights."  Except that you can also personalize your flights when you book through the airline, or various other 3rd party sites.  That is not unique to Celebrity.

 

3.  They "promise" dedicated staff to assist 24/7.  Except that there have been anecdotal reports of pax who could not get through on the weekend for instance, when they were actually traveling and had a flight disruption.  There have been other reports from folks who got through and were basically told to talk to the airline because Celebrity couldn't help.  So...sometimes that dedicated staff does great and other times they do nothing.

 

Take all of that for whatever it's worth to you, but they really aren't promises of any sort.

 

On 10/25/2018 at 12:27 PM, crown cruisers said:

Dear flyertalker

I did review the terms and etc as I said prior I wanted to see if anyone used them.  😁

 

 

 

Well no, first you asked if anyone had used them but in a subsequent reply you said what you really wanted to know was if anyone had experience with them upholding their promises.  The reply you got was that they really don't make any hard and fast promises, all of which is pretty clear in the fine print.  Some have reported great customer service after the fact and some have reported almost non-existent customer service after the fact, and plenty have reported something somewhere in between the two extremes.

 

[RickT]

To the OP, I've used Choice Air when I felt it made sense to me.  That said, I don't put a lot of weight in their guarantees and always choose flights/connections that are in my comfort zone.  Too often I see connection times that are "legal" but in my heart (and based on prior experience) I know they are too tight and could cause problems.  The goal is to never need their "guarantee".

 

That said, once on a Choice Air flight I missed my connection in Frankfurt.  Lufthansa booked me on their next flight (I was lucky spots were available).  I also called Choice Air who indicated the Lufthansa flight was my best option.  They indicated they would advise the ship that my arrival would be delayed and in the event I ran into further problems would work with me to catch up to the ship.  I made it to the ship in time to board (well past their suggested time) and had an officer escort me aboard.  I never had the bad luck to need their other guarantees.  I also sincerely doubt they would have held the ship for me...

[crown cruisers]

😄

[crown cruisers]

On 10/25/2018 at 3:59 PM, nini said:

wizfourfam and Crown Cruisers:

We just returned home from our first trip to Europe- did a Med. cruise which I booked 18 months before the cruise. I diligently researched this board for information and we booked our flights about 4 months before departure.

We booked through Celebrity and flew from Seatac to Rome ( Seatac to Heathrow and then Heathrow to Rome). This was on British Airways and we paid $696.00 round trip for economy. The return flight was Rome to DFW and then to Seattle both on American Airlines.

Just know that the prices fluctuate on a daily if not hourly basis!

thank you for the information -- that is what i was looking for -- just someone who has used them

[crown cruisers]

On 10/29/2018 at 6:46 AM, waterbug123 said:

 

There really isn't any "promise" listed here; it's just a feel-good marketing blurb.  That said let's break it down:

1.  They "promise" the best rates.  Except there have been multiple examples given in various threads here and on individual airline boards in which pax found cheaper prices booking directly through the airline.   Sometimes the cruise line is cheaper but not always, so I wouldn't hold them to the "promise" of "the best rates."

 

2.  They promise "flexibility to personalize your flights."  Except that you can also personalize your flights when you book through the airline, or various other 3rd party sites.  That is not unique to Celebrity.

 

3.  They "promise" dedicated staff to assist 24/7.  Except that there have been anecdotal reports of pax who could not get through on the weekend for instance, when they were actually traveling and had a flight disruption.  There have been other reports from folks who got through and were basically told to talk to the airline because Celebrity couldn't help.  So...sometimes that dedicated staff does great and other times they do nothing.

 

Take all of that for whatever it's worth to you, but they really aren't promises of any sort.

 

 

Well no, first you asked if anyone had used them but in a subsequent reply you said what you really wanted to know was if anyone had experience with them upholding their promises.  The reply you got was that they really don't make any hard and fast promises, all of which is pretty clear in the fine print.  Some have reported great customer service after the fact and some have reported almost non-existent customer service after the fact, and plenty have reported something somewhere in between the two extremes.

 

Waterburg123 -- thank you so much for pointing out my questions and their mistakes on how people view the question. Such a relief to know. Guess not everyone is so perfect on asking as others on this site... Didn't know when I posted I would be so critiqued -- by the cruise critic watchers.

Again I was JUST asking if anyone used them ......... 

 

"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place. – George Bernard Shaw"

 

Good day!!

 

[crown cruisers]

If you are replying to my question as a critic on pointing out how I asked the question--

Please save yourself time -- 

ALL I WANTED TO KNOW IF ANYONE EVER USED THAT SERVICE.  -- PERIOD.

 

And again a huge thank you to all the cruise critic critiquer --where would we be without you!!!!