Farecompare.com, a startup site that I’ve been following for a while, went public this morning with an innovative fare-tracking system that lets you follow ticket pricing trends in order to find the best deal.
I took its new Web-based “FareTrend” suite for a little test spin and found it to be pretty promising. The site offers 20 months of historical airfare information and a star-based rating system that tells you whether the current fares are too high.
It also suggests alternate airports that may offer cheaper prices — and it displays those options on a map, so you know how far away you’ll have to drive in order to get there.
It seems to me that this kind of information, in the hands of consumers, could create a more informed traveling public. But it could also be a nightmare for the airline industry.
I’m interested in your thoughts. Please send me your feedback on the site, and let me know what you find.
Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.
Elliott is consumer advocate 
I'm on Facebook: Please "like" 
WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM? If you're having trouble with a travel business - any business - and you've reached a dead end, maybe I can help. Send me an