PHL-MCO: Jan 1 Thru Jan 9th Airfare Question?

[philly003]

Hi All,

I'm looking to go down to Orlando to see my folks on New Years and wanted to know if I should book my airfare now or wait to see if any better deals come out? Airtran has it $104 right now and SW has it at $126 down and $79 back. I don't follow the flight market too often so I thought I better ask the experts

Thanks for any info!!

[PoohBear]

I would say to book AirTran down and Southwest back if that is case. I do not know about fares for New Year's but I would think that sounds like a good fare to me. The lowest I have seen on either recently is $54 one way on Airtran if they run a web special from PHL to MCO. The next lowest is $79 one way you can usually pick up that fare from either carrier if you book in advance.
But considering it is near a holiday it looks good to me. I am sure someone here will know more specifically about New Year's fares.

[philly003]

Thanks PoohBear! I didn't even think about breaking flights up amongst multiple airlines. I'll search around just a bit more before committing to the purchase. I downloaded Ding and I'm giving that a try to see if anything comes up. Thanks again!

[cyndixo]

Keep in mind if you book now with Air Tran and the fare goes down they will refund you the difference. I just got my October Fare lowered. It went from 79 to 54. They credited us the difference. Last year we flew New years Eve from Air Tran and we lucked out $69 on New Years Eve but you never know. We are flying Dec 31st also so I am watching fares. I will give it another week or two. Air Tran does a lot of chaning when the time changes.

[ruadisneyfan2]

Watching and waiting is a great idea if you're flexible with your dates/times. If you really must have a certain time, I'd book sooner than later, esp around the holidays.

Also don't forget that Airtran also flies out of Atlantic City now. Dh and I took a little weekend escape a few weeks ago and after using a coupon was only $30 down and $50 return incl all taxes! There are fewer non stops out of ACY but their dates might work for you and if it's a huge savings, it might be worth it to connect.
Just another option...

[JerseyGirl53]

Originally Posted by cyndixo

Keep in mind if you book now with Air Tran and the fare goes down they will refund you the difference. I just got my October Fare lowered. It went from 79 to 54. They credited us the difference. Last year we flew New years Eve from Air Tran and we lucked out $69 on New Years Eve but you never know. We are flying Dec 31st also so I am watching fares. I will give it another week or two. Air Tran does a lot of chaning when the time changes.

did not know that Airtran refunded the difference. How do you get that--
online or do you have to call. I know you can do that with Southwest online. Thanks for the info.