Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Predictions and Data
What is a "Fare Prediction"?A "Fare Prediction" is what tells you if fares are rising or dropping and if you should buy now or wait. When available, it's found at the top/left of the search results page. Learn more.
What is a "Fare History"?A "Fare History" is a chart of the lowest fare observed each day for the trip searched. In other words, you can see how much you would have paid if you tried to book 4 days ago, 24 days ago, or even 180 days ago. Learn more.
I'm not seeing it. How do I find a Fare Prediction? In order to find a Fare Prediction, select options highlighted in green when entering your cities and dates in the search form. Predictions are now available from most major U.S. and Canadian cities to destinations worldwide.
Why should I buy now, instead of waiting?
If prices are predicted to go up, you're likely to pay more by waiting. That's it.
Why should I wait, instead of buying now?
If prices are predicted to go down, you may save money by waiting. Please be aware that price drops are sporadic and may be hard to find. Check back daily to find the price drop.
Understanding Farecast Alerts™
What is a Farecast Alert?A Farecast Alert is an email that allows you to track low fares for a trip you're considering. When you set up a Farecast Alert, we'll notify you of the latest low fares and if available, the Fare Prediction for your trip.
How do I create a Farecast Alert?When searching for a trip, find the Track Fares button. It will take you through the set up process, which requires you to create an account or sign in to your existing account. You'll also find an option to set up a Farecast Alert from within your account.
I don't see my city. What can I do?Currently, Farecast Alerts are available from most major U.S. cities but only for trips that are 2-8 nights long within 90 days. Suggestions for new cities are very welcome.
Are Farecast Alerts available for one-way or round-trip flights?At this time, Farecast Alerts are offered for round-trip flights only.
Are taxes and fees included?Farecast Alerts prices are in US dollars and include required taxes and fees. Orbitz itineraries include a $5-$7 booking fee.
How do I edit a Farecast Alert?Click the "change" link within a Farecast Alert email or within the list of your Farecast Alerts found in your account. The "change" link goes to a page that is pre-filled with your settings. Update your preferences and click "save".
How can I unsubscribe from a Farecast Alert?Click the "unsubscribe" link within a Farecast Alert email or within the list of your Farecast Alerts found in your account. The "unsubscribe" link goes to a page asking you to confirm your request. Once you click "confirm", you will be unsubscribed from that Farecast Alert.
Searching for Flights
Why isn't my home/destination airport in your list of cities? When will you add more cities?
We have no specific timeline for adding new cities. However, suggestions for new cities are always welcome.
When will you add international destinations?We offer predictions to some international cities and are considering adding more. What cities would you like to suggest?
What browser should I use to view this site?Farecast® is optimized for use with certain browsers. For Windows, we suggest Firefox (1.5 or higher) and Internet Explorer 6.0 (or higher). For Mac users, we recommend using Firefox (1.5 or higher) and Safari (2 or higher).
Can I search for child, senior, or other fare types?Currently, Farecast only allows searches for the "adult" fare type.
What if I need to find a flight during a specific time?You can narrow down your results and sort them by time. To sort, click "Departs" or "Arrives" at the top of the flights section. To narrow the list, use the options on the left side of the page to select the times you like.
How can I sort and filter my search results?
To sort columns in ascending and descending order, click on the headings at the top of the flights section. To refine the list of results to suit your preferences, use the "Narrow Results By" feature. Select what you like and if you get carried away, just click "reset" to start over.
What happens when I purchase an airline fare?
Once you select a flight, you will go directly to the airline's website. We make every effort to send you straight to your chosen flight. From there, you may complete your purchase with the airline. Please find reservation support questions below.
What is Flight Search and how do I use it?
Flight Search is our flight shopping tool that allows you to find today's low fares and access our Fare Prediction. Learn more about How Flight Search Works.
What is Flexible Search and how do I use it?
Flexible Search is our trip planning tool that allows you compare fares for your trip over different dates. Learn more about How Flexible Search Works.
How can I change or cancel my booked flight?
When you booked your flight, you did so directly with the airline.* Therefore, changes and cancellations must be done with them as well. For a list of airline contact information, please click the next question.
*If your itinerary includes multiple airlines, you may have booked with orbitz.com. Please check your confirmation to know for sure.
How can I contact my airline?
Please contact your airline via their customer service number or their website. We provide a partial list of airlines' contact information below:
ATA 800-435-9282 ata.com AirTran 800-247-8726 airtran.com Alaska 800-426-0333 alaskaair.com Aloha 800-367-5250 alohaair.com America West 800-235-9292 americawest.com American 800-433-7300 aa.com Continental 800-523-3273 continental.com Delta 800-221-1212 delta.com Frontier 800-432-1359 flyfrontier.com Hawaiian 800-367-5320 hawaiianair.com JetBlue jetblue.com Midwest 800-452-2022 midwestairlines.com Northwest 800-225-2525 nwa.com Southwest 800-435-9792 iflyswa.com Spirit 800-772-7117 spiritair.com US Airways 800-428-4322 usairways.com United 800-241-6522 united.com Virgin America 877-359-8474 virginamerica.com
Searching for Hotels
How can I sort and narrow down my search results?
To sort columns in ascending and descending order, click on the headings at the top of the listings. To narrow the list, use the filtering features on the left side of the results page. Select what you like and if you get carried away, just click "reset" to start over.
What happens when I book a hotel?
Once you select a hotel, you will go directly to the supplier's website. We make every effort to send you straight to your chosen supplier. From there, you may complete your purchase with the supplier. Please find reservation support questions below.
Do you show all hotels? Even if they're sold out for my dates?
When you search for hotels, we initially filter out sold out hotels. If you'd like to see them within your results, simply check the box for "sold out hotels" in the left hand column of the results page under the "Price Range" category.
Where can I find more info about a specific hotel?
To find more information about a hotel, simply click on the hotel name or the details link located in each result listing.
How can I change or cancel my booked hotel?
When you booked your hotel, you did so directly with a supplier. Therefore, changes and cancellations must be done with them as well. Please refer to your hotel booking confirmation or the supplier's website for contact information.
Understanding Rate Key™
What is a Rate Key?
A Rate Key indicates whether or not today's rate for a specific hotel is a deal. It compares the individual hotel's current rate found to it's past rates observed for:
- The same travel dates (e.g. past rates found for a stay on July 20-22)
- Other travel dates on the same days of the week (e.g. other Friday-Sunday stays)
A Rate Key "Deal" indicates today's rate is lower than past rates for that hotel.
I'm not seeing it. How do I find a Rate Key?
In order to receive a Rate Key with your hotel search results, make sure to search for a trip that is 1 to 8 nights long within 90 days of today. Rate Keys are only available for select cities in the U.S. When typing your city in to the search form, look for cities highlighted in blue.
How can I compare rates and Rate Keys for my hotel on different dates?
From the hotel search results page, click on a hotel's name to open the details page. If the hotel has a Rate Key, you will see a bar chart showing rates over the next 3 months at that specific hotel. This chart helps you Know When to Stay™ to get the lowest rate for the same days-of-week searched. Also, the color of each bar indicates the Rate Key for those travel dates. Click any bar for its details. From there you can click to search all hotels for the selected dates.
Why do I see Rate Keys when I search on smaller cities or towns?
Rate Keys are available for cities and towns within 15-20 miles of major cities. For example, if you search on Bellevue, WA, which is within a few miles of Seattle, you may find a few hotels with Rate Keys.