Need info on Flying from Malaysia to US

Need info on Flying from Malaysia to US?

If I purchased ticket of MAS to go to LAX, is there any kind of payment that I have to put extra concern other than flight fare, is there any taxes or anything. (This is my first time flying oversea). Then, from LAX Im going to Sacramento, I've decided to take United Airlines. I can buy the ticket at my country(Malaysia) but Im not sure is there any other taxes or any other payment that I will go through. Need advises. When I asked quotation from travel agency, they quoted me higher than prices shown by the online booking on the net. This makes me confused as the taxes quoted by the agent is about US300++ rather than US15-20 shown on the net. Is there anyone working in travel agency? Could someone tell me why does the agent qouted me higher. Actually, what should I do to book the ticket by myself without using agent.

Los Angeles - 4 Answers

Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :

1 :

u gotta be careful on this one. taxes are something u cannot hoodwink. u gotta pay the airline taxes and trust the travel agent as they got a better idea of the fares and the taxes. i guess after u click on teh OK button while making a purchase of ur E-Ticket u will receive a higher quote too with regards to teh tax amount as it cannot be waived. unless if the online booking is cheaper by the way of FARE go for it but still rely on ur Travel Agent coz if u want to make changes later or cancel a booking in case u cant travel the onlne bookings are normally non-refundable and there are many procedures to get thru before u can actually make changes urself. All the best!

2 :

as a travel agency owner for 25 years, things have changed drastically since 9/11. there are a trememndous variety of airline taxes from airport security (911fee) to surplus fuel charges. i don't know all or what regulations are in effect from your country to here, but i would suggest you go to the US embassy in kuala lumpur and get all this info first hand as well as the strict laws governing foreign tourists to/within the US (see if they have a recommended tISTA travel agent for you to use) or since you are flying United see if you can call there 800 number, but i don't know if its free from malaysia) Get all your papers (passports/work visa/studentvisa or whatever)prepared and approved in advance these days, obey all laws, and do not deviate from your trip, esp. in the US without double checking with immigration officials. wheresas americans can reasonably travel thru the US, foreign nationals, such as you face many hurdles anymore due to terrorism and tighter security measures. go with a trusted internet site such as ORBITZ, TRAVELOCITY,or PRICELINE as by law, the fees they show you must include all US taxes and fees. some agencies (in your home country) can take advantage of a first time traveler like you. i would, also, suggest you get trip interruption/canellation insurance (from a reputable company - often offered with these websites) for any unexpected emergencies as well as health insurance in case you get sick while traveling to, in, and from here(be sure it inclludes transportation back to your country if necessary) and get it IN WRITING! enjoy your flight and US visit. if you do not speak american english get a malay/english translation book to help you while here. cholein has a good point that i forgot to mention. most online tickets are non-refundable so besure you have your dates correct as they cannot be changed without difficulty and extra fees. if all i have said makes you nervous, go to the oldest travel agency or one that is approved by your government (sanctioned agencies are usually very reputable and relaiable - they want your business back). also, watch for the display of the international society of travel agent logo (ISTA) which is multigovernmental and helps you between governments.

3 :

Tough one. Im no expert but I do know one or two things. What you pay on the net is USERALY all you pay. I would always use a travel agent for International travel even for domestic travel in a foriegn country. The travel agent are proberbly adding there own tax wich is not a bad thing. $300 extra is ok. My dad found a cheap fare on the net but went through the agent for saftey. They were happy for my dad to pay the internet fee. Go to the agent and do what they advise One more thing GO TO A GOOD RECONISED TRAVEL AGENT!!!!!

4 :

There would definitely be airport taxes, etc. to be added to your airfares. Travel agents usually would advise you about this and when you make your payments, the taxes are already added in there. You should also be aware that the prices of your tickets varies from one travel agent to another. It would be wise to do your homework and contact as many travel agencies as possible to compare prices (if the prices is your concern). The airfare prices would also varies depending on which airline that you're going on and also route or the stop-overs, as different airport charges different amount of tax. How long are you going to be in LA.? If you're going straight from LA to Sacramento, then it would be better to get your tickets in Malaysia. I would advise you to get an insurance when traveling to North America esp. if you're going to be here for a while since health care here is quite expensive. Any other payments that I can think of is probably the US. visa. You would have to show them your itineraries, etc. before they would issue you (or not) one. You can also buy your tickets from the net if you can get a better deal. I've done this a lot of times. Just be sure that it's from a legitimate or reputable company and website. Hope this answers your questions. Good luck and have fun!