ITA Matrix searching

[bigfoot786]

Hi guys,

Just wondering if others are finding that the ITA Matrix search online seems to take quite a long time on some searches.

I not doing any unusual construction, even just basic return flights but sometimes it takes ages to search. Is this normal or should I be looking out for some setting that I have out of place.
I have not included any carrier restrictions etc, just basic departure and destination?

Thanks again.
Yusuf

 

[serfty]

It has a relativity comprehensive search engine - what would you consider a long time? 1 minute? two?

 

[bigfoot786]

It has a relativity comprehensive search engine - what would you consider a long time? 1 minute? two?

I suppose anything more than a minute would seem long? but then it may not be, thats why I am wondering if this is normal and I should just be more patient?

Thanks

 

[Must...Fly!]

As long as they don't limit the functionality I can live with a longer search time...

 

[docjames]

I'd trade longer search for comprehensiveness. One-two mins isnt too bad if it's a complicated routing, for a simple routing, 30secs should be typical max (it's usually less!).

 

[Moopere]

Not taking what I would consider a long time. Perhaps 30 seconds. However, after spending quite some time learning the basics of the database language it uses I am finding that it drops results pretty consistently once you start building up fairly long routing directives. This is a pain as there is no real indication that its happening and it often masks the cheap flights one is looking for.

 

[bigfoot786]

To give an idea of what I thought would be too long, this was the ticketing I was after:

AMM - KUL 31/12 give or take 2 days
KUL - AMM 1/02/13 give or take 2 days
MEL - HOB - 19/02

Using multiple city page, No carrier or fair code restrictions input.
After 4 minutes I gave up.

For those that recognise, yes this was an FD construction attempt.

 

[Moopere]

I wouldn't have expected any problems with that. Maybe just a bad web day? I've had the odd day here and there where Matrix just times out, but generally I get results in 30 seconds or less.

 

[Danger]

How accurate is the matrix?

I've just done a search for PER-HKG with QF+ in the advanced routing box during May and June. The best fare the matrix returned for the whole period was $1321. The QF website, however, has a fare just under $1000 (in May).

I thought the matrix was supposed to be the bee's knees of airfare search tools.

 

[defurax]

How accurate is the matrix?

I've just done a search for PER-HKG with QF+ in the advanced routing box during May and June. The best fare the matrix returned for the whole period was $1321. The QF website, however, has a fare just under $1000 (in May).

I thought the matrix was supposed to be the bee's knees of airfare search tools.

The ITA matrix works really well for US flights, but it's far from being perfect. With CX it always give Y fare bucket, with QF it usually never give super cheap buckets (E), no premium economy search on CX, etc...

I use ITA a lot, but I also use other websites just to be sure...

 

[Danger]

The ITA matrix works really well for US flights, but it's far from being perfect. With CX it always give Y fare bucket, with QF it usually never give super cheap buckets (E), no premium economy search on CX, etc...

I use ITA a lot, but I also use other websites just to be sure...

Thanks for that. By other websites, do you mean the airlines themselves, or something similar to the matrix?

 

[defurax]

Thanks for that. By other websites, do you mean the airlines themselves, or something similar to the matrix?

I usually check ITA first, then I look at what expedia.com and expedia.com.au(sometimes also .ie and .uk) are offering. It can be tedious, but it can save a lot of $$

 

[drewbles]

This is why FlightFox and the like are doing well. There are so many sites that are extremely useful, but you have to chop and change and figure out the best from them all!

I've made a few bucks using these services (As an 'expert') and when I can devote some more time to it, it can be a nice little pocket money earner

 

[Moopere]

To get any chance of a result from matrix the flight in question has to be available on via GDS ... a _lot_ of the discounted fares don't make it past the airlines own portal.

 

[paultiffen]

You should try limiting your flights by carrier or connection to get better results. Also check out the fare classes in case cheaper ones are availabme

 

[ozbeachbabe]

To give an idea of what I thought would be too long, this was the ticketing I was after:

AMM - KUL 31/12 give or take 2 days
KUL - AMM 1/02/13 give or take 2 days
MEL - HOB - 19/02

Using multiple city page, No carrier or fair code restrictions input.
After 4 minutes I gave up.

For those that recognise, yes this was an FD construction attempt.

Maybe try the AMM/KUL/AMM in its own search then MEL/HBA separately as it could be the surface sector throwing a spanner in the works followed by an Aussie domestic flight.

 

[Awesom Andy]

I still remember when, some time back, before QF made all the schedule changes, the matrix missed a super-cheap SYD-SIN via PER on QF by default. But then, the QF website missed it by default as well. I guess you really need to know what routings are available and make searches as such.

 

[Mal]

Many qantas sale fares are not available outside Australia (or their network of Australian agents) So ita can't "see" the fares.

 

[risky]

I use matrix to help find routing combinations. eg Flying out of Sacramento or Denver and trying to line up with the flights into Aus. Once I have worked out what I want, I am then sufficiently well-armed to do battle with the company process and outsourced travel planner!

 

[Temporiser]

I'm trying to search for flights between SYD - RAR - SYD and I cannot restrict the search to Virgin Australia (VA). Only the air New Zealand flights comes up. How do I get both airlines operating the route or just Virgin