Airfare Question

[wdw4life]

Has anyone used member services before to book airfare? Do they get great deals or is it just basically whatever is already out there? I was wondering if it's worthwhile to do it thru MS or just book it myself. Any pros/cons to it?

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

We always book it ourselves. You will at least have a say so if you want non-stop, good times,etc. Just sign up for Travelocity's e-mail alerts from 2-3 airports near you in Calif.

This way you know what the fares are and when it seems OK.....book it.

 

[llp479]

We've only used MS once for all of our trips. They beat the fares I was finding by $30/ticket.

Now, we've gone so many times I know what the "floor" is, so when I see a fare near the floor, I pick it up. We've already got our tickets for 11/20/04. I typically have them bought a least 9 months out. I've never been "burned" by this yet.

I too, have signed up for the Travelocity alerts. One time used a great fare for a spur of the moment long weekend to WDW.

 

[wdw4life]

Thanks so much for the info guys!

 

[RobDoc]

DVC uses Walt Disney Travel Company for it's air reservations. Disney contracts with specific arilines at specific airports for their air rates and can be very competitive with anyone.

I'd also suggest familiarizing yourself with typical rates from your area before purchasing air from either Disney or over the internet.

Enjoy!

 

[Disney Enthusiast]

Webmaster Doc: You are sooo right. I always bought my airfare thru the WD company and they have always taken good care of me. This time I went thru MS and they found me tickets from PA at $218 w/ a stop in Charlotte, but they couldn't book it because it was a USAIR flight, but they were buying the tickets thru UNITED and so couldn't get a seat number w/ all of the hoopla. W/o a seat number, you can't fly due to the stringent laws now. So the very nice MS agent called me back and told me to call UNITED directly which I did. I got the same flight for a couple dollars less so I was really pleased knowing I was only calling 4 wks out and thinking I'd get pummeled.

1 week later, another airline (I think Northwestern) is now making non-stop flights to Orlando at $79. And it's not just for a special week. They are doing this indefinitely depending on the response I guess. Bummer. Can't get my $ back now, but I'll try them the next time. So I am paying for 3 $215 tickets w/ 2 little kids and have to stop in Charlotte to change planes and I missed the other one by about a week. Oh well.

When I checked around this area, I got the buzz that instead of planning 9 mos in advance (like the PP and I usually do) that the best rates can be found about 1 mo beforehand. Go Figure. Maybe it's different in your area, but here that is what they are telling us. So like Webmaster Doc has said, I would check your area to familiarize yourself before buying tickets. Good luck!

 

[joepoe]

Originally posted by Disney Enthusiast
Webmaster Doc: You are sooo right. ...
...

When I checked around this area, I got the buzz that instead of planning 9 mos in advance (like the PP and I usually do) that the best rates can be found about 1 mo beforehand. Go Figure. Maybe it's different in your area, but here that is what they are telling us. So like Webmaster Doc has said, I would check your area to familiarize yourself before buying tickets. Good luck!

You are coorect.
It all depends on your tolerance for inconvenience, I guess. Some great fares require changing planes, or getting in at all hours, etc. We trade that potential savings for some piece of mind. Non-stop, get in earlier, don't leave too late or too early on the last day, etc. Other more adventurous types can probably do better, and may not be inconvenienced at all!

 

[Disney Enthusiast]

Well, I will have to make my plans at 9 mos. still because I am not adventurous in the least when it comes to my vacation and transportation, esp. w/ 2 little ones in tow. Not worth taking chances!

 

[wdw4life]

Originally posted by Disney Enthusiast
Well, I will have to make my plans at 9 mos. still because I am not adventurous in the least when it comes to my vacation and transportation.

I'm the same way. I plan everything as far in advance as I can so I'll be checking out airlines in a couple months. And I also would pay more rather than be inconvenienced.

Thanks so much for the feedback everyone. It gives me a much better idea of using MS vs the internet.