Priceline

Pros

• Often provides significantly lower prices than booking directly with airlines or hotels.
• Useful for finding and booking complex flight routes that may not appear on single-airline sites.
• Large inventory of accommodations and rental cars across various locations.
• Potential for deep discounts when searching by star rating and location.

Cons

• Customer service agents are frequently described as difficult to deal with during disputes.
• Refunds are often partial, subject to high fees, or issued as credits rather than original payment.
• Users may not be notified of schedule changes, such as flights being moved to earlier times.
• Bookings typically do not earn hotel loyalty points or status benefits.

Caveats

• Using a third-party agency creates a 'telephone' effect, making it harder to resolve issues directly with the airline or hotel.
• Cancellation and refund rules are governed by Priceline's specific terms, which can be more restrictive than direct bookings.

Best for

• Budget-conscious travelers who prioritize the lowest price over flexibility.
• Hotel and rental car bookings, which are generally viewed as less problematic than flights.
• Complex itineraries where direct booking is significantly more expensive.

Avoid if

• You want to earn hotel loyalty points or elite status perks.
• You have a low tolerance for customer service hurdles if a trip is delayed or canceled.
• You prefer the security of a direct relationship with the service provider.