airline question

[MARY-IN-OH]

I was wondering, do most people travel the same airline to arrive as depart? It seems I have not read that much of people taking one airline to their destination and a different one back.

I (think) I'm still going to wait awhile to book. But, for example, my preferred from Cleveland would be To Orlando on Continental non-stop on 12/10 and Return out of Ft Myers (visiting family) on 12/24 on Continental non-stop. Of course, right now it is about $500 for these flights.

I can get it down to $250 - $300 if I look at return flights (with a stop) on return with different airlines (United, Delta etc). Do you all prefer to stay with the same airline for entire trip? Are there any downsides to "switching" airlines?

Should I think about booking at around $300/pp (four people) since I would "prefer" to fly home "on" Christmas eve? - Or, should I just chill out and wait and see what Southwest offers, or Airtran (from Akron-Canton? (whew, sorry! that was a little long winded!) TIA Dis! - - mary

 

[safetymom]

Sometimes buying a one way on two airlines makes it more expensisve. It can also trigger a more through search at the airport so just allow a little extra time.

 

[rparmfamily]

I know a lot of people that book their r/t's on two different carriers but they make sure the carriers are in the same alliance.(for credit purposes) Sites like hotwire or travelocity sometimes books your r/t with different carriers and just like safetymom pointed out it could become more expensive. I guess it depends what you are looking for.

Rex

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

It's usually cheaper to buy a RT ticket rather than 2 one way tickets.