That's due to a combination of competitive reasons and currency fluctuations. Many companies with sophisticated travel departments will book the ticket in the cheapest city, even if they have to send the mail overseas by overnight mail, says John Heilner, vice president of Management Alternatives. Therefore, companies will adjust their bookings so that more trips at least appear to be originating in New York to take advantage of the larger discount, Heilner says. Although the technology explosion has created new forms of discounting, it has not ended the old standbys. But for now, most search the Internet for low fares, then telephone their agent.
Airlines are out to change that.
Booking a flight will get easier, most experts say. But securing the lowest possible fare will remain hard work.