Airfare help out of philly

[michvin]

I need advice on what to do regarding airfare. We are going to Disney 1/19 (or 1/20) to the 24th. So its a Friday (or Sat) to wednesday. I know the airlines do rates according to the whole supply demand deal, but its ridiculous what they have out there now. Anyway, we are taking my in laws and want to pay for their airfare too and the best rate I got today was $1700 for the 7 of us. We are booked with our DVC membership and the kids are only missing 2 days of school for a 5 day trip with their grandparents (1st time with them). I had found a rate for a week and a half earlier that was, get this, only $118 round trip plus fees but it would cause the kids to be out of school more and more dvc points and too close to x-mas...whatever.

So, how long do I wait until I bite the bullet and buy some tix? I am already signed up for the Ding rates and the priceline email. My husband has enough points to get 3 tix with us air, maybe, but the times they are offering for their "low points", is junk or with a layover....can't see doing the layover with 3 little kids and a father in law who gets claustrophobic on the plane in first place. sorry to be complaining...just not sure how long to wait and what else we can do to get something for around $160 or less. thanks

 

[HayGan]

Southwest currently has $113 for your flight down and $59 for your flight options back so I would book those now and watch for lower ding fares for both legs of the trip. That is less than $200 a person and $1338 in total - much less than $1,700. Book one ways so that you don't have to lose out on a good fare one way if you only get a ding for one leg of it.

It looks like there is alot of availablity on those flights so I would go with that since you can always rebook on Southwest at lower fares and get a refund/credit for a future flight.

 

[Love the Mouse]

It depends on which airline you are looking for to go out of Philly. I know that Southwest had a flight back from Orlando on your dates (the 24th) for $59 one way, but $113 down (on either the 19th or 20th).

It is really hard to decide when to book, because I know that when I am watching, I am always afraid that as soon as I book it will go down.

The $118 sounds really great, and a savings of almost $1000 of your original $1700. It is a really hard decision to make.

We are going to AZ in a few weeks and I know I specifically decided on NO Layovers since I have a 2 year old and would not want to have her sitting around in an airport for hours on end.

Good luck with whatever you do.

Michaela

 

[missymagic]

In my experience the only way to get the cheaper fare is to take the layover. I am 1 hour north of you so I have the option of ABE, PHL or EWR.

airtran is $1519.70 for either 19th or 20th to th the 24th for 7 people (217/pp)

delta was from 19-24 $1104 for 7 people (157.7/pp) times were yucky early morning for both flights

southwest has an internet promotion going $1,337.70 for 7 people ($191/pp) had the best times to choose

again all have layovers and I am not sure of your preferences...hard to find directs that inexpensive from PHL I usually have better luck from EWR. Good luck

 

[michvin]

the southwest cheap rate..the internet special..I didn't get that rate when I checked to day...is there a code? anybody know if there is a code? Today the internet specials were gone....thanks for the advice

 

[HayGan]

the southwest cheap rate..the internet special..I didn't get that rate when I checked to day...is there a code? anybody know if there is a code? Today the internet specials were gone....thanks for the advice

Do you mean the $59 rate. It just automatially came up for me when I checked your dates. No code needed. It is the last column of the rates when you go thru the process of booking a flight.

Hope that helps

 

[kato0627]

Last year we went to Disney the same time frame. Jan 15-21st. We booked our tickets on Thanksgiving Day and got 59.00 one way pricing. If you can tough it out, wait until than. Or you can book, watch and than request a refund if the price drops. We flew out of PHL as well. Good luck

 

[michvin]

Last year we went to Disney the same time frame. Jan 15-21st. We booked our tickets on Thanksgiving Day and got 59.00 one way pricing. If you can tough it out, wait until than. Or you can book, watch and than request a refund if the price drops. We flew out of PHL as well. Good luck

i was thinking that after we got into november, I might see some drops. I'm just concerned about need 7 tix...but I will think it over...thanks a lot!

 

[dsnymomof4]

Just checked Airtran for your dates. They have $99 each way with lots of flights to choose from. Check them out. We fly with them all the time.

 

[DisDee]

We booked Airtran for Jan 20/27-Tampa/Orlando. $59.00 each way plus fees. The way I look at recent airfare rates, anything under $200.00 from PHL or Atlantic City (Spirit) is an OK rate. Most of the airlines will credit you the difference if the flight cost should drop after you book it. Snag what you can now, because the rates go up as the flights fill up. There may be some last minute deals, but with your large group, I wouldn't depend on waiting for those. Good luck!