Spring break is fast approaching, and students can make discount last-minute travel plans by searching the Internet.

One of the many Web sites serving the needs of student travelers is Priceline, where airline tickets and hotel accommodations can be reserved through a search based on the customers desired price.

“I’ve heard some positives and negatives about Priceline,” said Jan Anderson, assistant manager of Sail Aweigh Travel, 406 Main St.

“The customers needing airline tickets can get a good deal at the last minute, but there is not much choice in what seats they receive. And once they find tickets, you cannot turn them down,.” she said.

Priceline is unique in that customers quote prices they are willing to pay.

The site then searches to see if seats are available on the specified dates and if airlines are willing to sell at that particular price. Notification of the outcome is sent via e-mail within an hour of submission.

“Priceline is a good deal if it works out to give you what you want, but it has a lot of restrictions,” said Gary Salmon, manager of Travel and Transport, 133 Welch Ave.

Salmon said the most predominant restriction about Priceline is that customers can only quote prices, dates and locations for departure and arrival, but not specific times or airlines. Also, Priceline only works with round-trip tickets, he said.

“Priceline worked out well for one particular customer who had a very flexible schedule,” said Terre Beech, executive vice president of Continental Travel Associates Ltd. in Des Moines.

Beech said when bids are sent, customers must include credit card numbers before they even receive a final confirmation.

After an order has been placed with Priceline, tickets are non-refundable, non-endorsable and non-exchangeable, she said.

Travel agents don’t discourage customers from searching the Internet for bargains, but say they should speak with an agent before finalizing their plans.

“I once had a customer who had found a great deal over the Internet, but when he came to me, I found that he also could receive a senior citizen discount,” Anderson said. “Just because it is a bargain on the Internet doesn’t mean it is the best deal.”

Although the Web provides an outlet for customers to make travel plans without a travel agency, agents are not afraid of the competition.

“I see the Internet becoming even stronger in the future,” Beech said. “It can cut into our business to a degree, but there will always be customers who want individualized attention from a travel agent or who do not feel comfortable finalizing plans and paying online.”

Other Web sites with special offers for travel accommodations include Travelgram, Goinggoinggone and the Wholesale Travel Centre.