Consumer Affairs rates Priceline as a good place to buy airline tickets if you're shopping at the last minute. Kiplinger says the travel booking site also can offer the best deals on luxury hotel lodging, often giving bidders posh accommodations at much less than the regular price if they don't have a particular hotel in mind and book with only a few days' notice.

On the Other: There Have Been Issues

Many travelers have complained about Priceline's blind booking, which means you aren't told exactly where you'll be staying until after you hand over your money. In 2003, Priceline was sued because it allegedly didn't tell some travelers that an airline ticket was for a city other than what they had requested. They were sometimes booked in hotels 100 miles or more away from where they wanted to go. Priceline also offers limited customer service.

Bottom Line

Despite complaints, Priceline remains a popular travel booking site and now offers a guarantee that the accommodations it arranges will not be unreasonable, whether for flight times, layovers or hotels. The site is probably a good choice for last minute travelers, but those who have the time to plan in advance might look elsewhere.

Source:

Consumer Affairs: Priceline Complaints

Top Ten Reviews: Priceline 2010

Kiplinger: 28 Best Travel Sites