Tanya Jefferies trialled lastminute.com’s Web site
Site layout: lastminute.com has a busy layout with lots of text and graphics to wade through. There are several moving or flashing pictures, which can be a bit distracting. The extensive use of bright pink is also a little wearing on the eye. It’s easy to find your way around but the pages were slow to download.
Registering as a user: you enter your e-mail address, your password twice. Very straightforward indeed.
Selecting a holiday: attracted by the ‘Skiing is believing’ slogan, I decided to head for the slopes. A seven-night package to St Anton in Austria cost £469 per person, based on two sharing, and I opted for that. I clicked on ‘more info’ and received details of the resort, snow quality, accommodation, flights and extras such as ski passes and equipment. There was also a facility allowing me to e-mail the details to a friend if I wished. The tour operator – Mark Warner – was identified at the bottom of the page.
Booking: I clicked on ‘buy now’ and an order form appeared on the screen. Your home address and credit-card details are the only details required. After you click ‘finish’ an order reference number appears on screen. Later you are sent an e-mail confirming your purchase.
General comments: quite impressive. The process only took about 10mins from registering to booking but you have to know what you want and be ready to buy.