Airline Segment on the Show was Great! Thanks Pete!

[MM32830]

Now somebody tell me not to freak about only 1/2 hour to catch a connecting flight in Atlanta.

I've flown into Atlanta a few times and I would be a little worried with only 30 minutes for a connection. That would concern me at most airports. If the incoming flight is late by only 15 minutes (typical for some airlines), you wouldn't have time to make the connection. Even if you were fortunate enough to have the departure gate next to your arrival gate, your luggage wouldn't make it.

Cross your fingers and hope the airline changes it before your take off for your vacation!

 

[tjevans]

Could someone post a list of all the resources Pete mentioned in the 'cast? (or maybe Pete can list them on the blog). I was in my car, and so I didn't get to write them down.

 

[MM32830]

Could someone post a list of all the resources Pete mentioned in the 'cast? (or maybe Pete can list them on the blog). I was in my car, and so I didn't get to write them down.

It's all in the show notes. The link to that segment is:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/discounts/beat-high-cost-airfare.htm

 

[cocowum]

I also loved this podcast segment - thanks so much for all of the research that went into it!

I have a question though. Pete recommended to book airfare now, as the fares are likely to increase in the next six weeks or so, but also suggested looking at SW. SW and Air Tran have not yet released their fares for the dates of our trip next May/June 09. I was planning on waiting until SW and AT released there fares, but it may be several weeks away. I'm worried about the increasing airfares. I have not found another carrier with fares or flights that I think will be any better than what I can get on SW or AT so far.

My plan is to watch the other airlines' fares until SW & AT extends their schedules, then pick the best one at that time. Any other suggestions?

Airtran has released the departure dates for our trip. I just booked our flight down. $79 for a nonstop flight! I'm pretty happy with that!

We are flying AT in a couple of days and I've checked for changes everyday since we booked. None so far... But I will be checking until we actually fly.

 

[JeemaRee]

Pete, we can't thank you enough!!!

I've bookmarked every site you mentioned and it helped me make my decision about booking now or waiting (booked now). I'm also tracking my flight and plan to call the airline and work on getting the difference if the price does go down. Thanks Pete, Kevin and John for all the travel tips!!!

 

[tlcoke]

Great report Pete!

I have been using the compare regional airport rates for four+ years now and have saved $$$$. I live 8 miles from Louisville International Airport (SDF) in Louisville, Kentucky. However, I have found flights out of Indianapolis International (2 hours North) at minimum 50% cheaper than flying out of my home airport and have flown out of the Indy airport the last 2 times I have had to fly somewhere and for my to flight in October to MCO. My 2006 flights to Dallas and Honolulu and my up coming flight to Orlando has saved over $1200+ combined.
Using this method of flight comparisons, I have saved approximately $300.00 on my up coming trip to Orlando, though there has been a fare reduction in Louisville in the past couple of weeks, it is Still $100+ more than my flight out of Indianapolis I have scheduled. I also use the +/- 3 day comparison in relationship to my travel dates to find the best flight for my money.

I will have to add the websites you mentioned to my travel research websites, as they sound like good tools.

It definitely pays to shop around, when it comes to airfares.

I have never had any luck with SW, but I usually compare them each time I have to fly somewhere but, I usually find a better rate out of Indianapolis on NWA..

 

[AnninIowa]

I've just recently discovered the Podcasts and am enjoying them so much!

I LOVED the airfare report, especially since I am in Iowa and am closest to two regional airports. I frequently go in to check on airfare prices, and have recently seen prices jump up to $200 in some cases. We were already paying at least $400 per ticket to fly Northwest out of Waterloo, so these new increases really hurt. It will definitely affect when (or if!) we travel again.

 

[drakethib]

Was some good stuff on that there podcast segment.

 

[miss missy]

Great report, Pete! I appreciate you taking the time to 'vet' those sites for us. Your hard work showed, and I learned some things I didn't know before.

I'm also a big Southwest fan. One thing I don't see mentioned too much are the Southwest Youth fares. You have to call for these, but they are typically offered at a nice discount off the "Anytime" fare. They come in handy if your plans change too close to your trip, so that the lower "Wanna Get Away" fares are no longer available. They are also treated as an "Anytime" fare, which means they're refundable (better than just a credit to your account), and you can make same-day changes without worrying about paying a different fare.

Here's an example: A couple of my kids are active in sports, and attend tournaments all around the country. You never know in advance how long they're going to be away; if they're winning, they keep playing and if they lose they come home. So we have to guess when we make our original flight plans.

When we use Southwest, we'll often book using the lower Wanna Get Away fares. Then if junior loses early I can just call up, cancel his original flight and rebook him on an earlier one. I don't have to pay a change fee (typically $100 on other airlines), but I do have to pay the difference in the ticket price (which I'm fine with). With the youth fares, that difference is substantially less than what it would be for a regular fare.

On another airline, I'd have to pay the change fee ($100) PLUS the fare difference -- with no youth discount.

What age is the "Youth fares"

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Greetings Everyone: I agree, it was a great segment Pete, but one thing that wasn't mentioned was penalty fees the airlines charge if you have to change your ticket. That's certainly one reason I don't book ahead of time until I know for sure what days I want to fly. Usually (except for Southwest) the airlines have such steep penalties to change your flight. Anyway you could add a segment discussing the change penalties?

 

[tlcoke]

Greetings Everyone: I agree, it was a great segment Pete, but one thing that wasn't mentioned was penalty fees the airlines charge if you have to change your ticket. That's certainly one reason I don't book ahead of time until I know for sure what days I want to fly. Usually (except for Southwest) the airlines have such steep penalties to change your flight. Anyway you could add a segment discussing the change penalties?

I find the best airfare option based on my dates by being flexible by departure & return and then make my final plans based on the best airfare rates I can find for the most dates that meets my requirements. I use the +/- 3 days options for researching flights and by adjusting a day or two can save hundreds of dollars.