Searching for Airfare Deals Just Got Easier - Maybe

Searching for airline tickets can be a frustrating and bank-busting event, but a new Web site says it's putting an end to the airfare gambling game travelers play.

As someone who travels a lot, airfare has become one of the major expenses in my world. I'd like that to change. Now. Yes, I'm familiar with all the bargain sites: Orbitz, Expedia, Cheaptickets, Kayak, etc., but I never really feel like I'm getting a deal. I mean, I realize I flew over the big, blue Atlantic Ocean (and the better part of the U.S., for that matter) during the high season, but $1,300 for my airfare alone?! Crazy.

Plus, you can waste a lot of time searching through all these sites, hoping and praying the prices will go down. I'm not a betting woman, but I definitely play the airfare gambling game.

So, I was pretty excited to hear that a new Web site, www.farefinder.com, was coming to my rescue. According to the PR from Farefinder, they do the legwork for us. Hmmm. Sounds kind of suspicious. My question is this: Has anyone been really checking this out to see if it indeed helps consumers find the lowest fares?

I've got another cross-Atlantic flight as well as an Idaho to Illinois trip coming up and will be watching the ticket prices carefully. Wouldn't it be great if we really could find one site and put an end to the airfare gamble?