We have received and responded to several private messages regarding the comparative merits of LuxuryLink vs. SkyAuction vs Andrew Harper. Have any of had first-hand experiences with one or both of the competitor companies and would you be willing to share your insights? The Andrew Harper auctions seem to be the most secretive, since a membership is required.....so if you want to know what Andrew Harper knows, you have to pay first. Deal or No Deal?
I have never used the services of skyauction. One reason is because their website does not appeal to me. I don't know I just don't like it. Also, because there seem to be always something to add onto the price. I prefer LL...no surprises + $20. Have you ever used skyauction services, and were you satisfied.
I have used both skyauction and luxurylink and I far prerfer both the selection and service of luxurylink. In addition the selection of properties and tours on luxurylink are of a higher calibre (well, just more luxurious).
As the previous poster pointed out, the auction prices + extra fees and charges on skyauction can be quite misleading...particluarly for the airfares they offer.
I look at Sky Auctions about once a month. I am also not impressed with their website. I had read some reviews that clients were not happy with the service. Their sight seems to leave much to the imagination. For example, some of the airfare specials seem abstract. I don't have an idea if the airlines would be helpful in trying to book. Its hard enough right now to work directly with an airline company with a travel voucher FROM THE AIRLINES let alone a Sky Auction certificate. Also, some of the properties do not appeal to me. I had an experience years ago where I saw a luxury property at an amazingly low price. When I called the resort, they were surprised. This sort of scared me. I guess I shouldn't be so negative unless I use the service. I was looking at a few Arizona properties but backed out.
I've used Skyauction only once for a recent trip. I was skeptical, but a friend had booked a trip with no problems, so I decided to give it a try. I also experienced no problem whatsoever. It was for a hotel package only, no air. But there are more charges and fine print. However, I did know all of this ahead of time and bid accordingly. That said, I much prefer LuxuryLink: the website is much easier to navigate, the properties are much more interesting, and the pricing is straightforward. But in the end, I will use the resource that offers a property/price/date range combo that works for my needs at the time. I hope we'll see more properties and options on LL in the weeks and months to come.
Disneygal. Thanks for the vote of confidence. I am glad to hear positive feedback about Skyauction. It is always nice to have alot of travel options available. I love to travel but do have a budget. Wonder if anyone out there tried their air deals? Some of them are amazing especially to Central America.
I bought a trip to Florence from SkyAuction, and I've bought trips from Luxury Link. The biggest differences to me are quality of the trip and the extra fees added to the auction price. Luxury Link simply has better, more upscale trips. While Skyauction has a few "luxury" trips, the bulk of their trips are lower level hotels. That being said, if you are willing to stay at a lower level hotel, you can occassionally get great prices on hotel/air combos on Skyauction. On the air though, you will have connections. As I mentioned above, with Skyauction you must read all the print carefully. There are always significant additional costs to add to your auction price. Read carefully.
I have considered using skyauction, and still look at the site now and then, but as I often travel with my "high maintenance" sister, the properties and trips with Luxurylink are far more appealing. I think skyauction was a great alternative when I was right out of school (I have several friends that went to the Dominican with skyauction), but after many years of business travel with a corporate card, I think my tastes have grown up.
Of course, having stayed at LL properties may have something to do with that!
markgrimm...."quality" and "small print add-ons" seem to be a recurring theme in most discussions comparing SkyAuction and LuxuryLink. We have experienced nothing short of "quality" in each our our LL experiences. We look forward to reading experiences others have had with both organizations.
Omegaet...I'm with you in preferring LL. For me, LL is the absolute best among all of the options. I also do not have time to troll through websites so I have just chosen LL for my travels. I also have bought luxury goods on LL and find that to be an extra-added-attraction to LL. Cheers...Marolyn
