I've been waiting for the JetBlue and Southwest flight schedules to expand to include our December dates, because these are the only two carriers that offer non-stop flights from Austin to Orlando, and because they are usually the least expensive.
Looking at the flight times for the latest published dates on the same days of the week as our flights, I had narrowed it down to JetBlue based on the times. Plus, Katie LOVES JetBlue, so it would be a treat for her.
This week JetBlue published its schedule and fares through and past our dates. So I was excited to go check them out. For the outbound, everything looks good, except it is $276 ONE WAY!! Then I looked at the return flight and they have changed the time from 3:55pm to 12:45pm on the non-stop. Well, we just won't be having that. We are going to see the MK on our last morning and there's no way I'm going for a DME pickup at 10am. Then, it was also ridiculously expensive.
Based on my trip budget, and the previously available flights, I had budgeted $315 per person, round trip. These JetBlue flights are close to $500. I checked the major airlines and the flight times are not as good and prices not much better.
So, we wait for Southwest to release their schedule and keep our fingers crossed. I think the merger with AirTran may become effective soon, so maybe that will open up some good times and fares.