airplane travel ??

[barbmouse]

Our family always drives down to FL since it's about a 10 hour drive. Now that my dd will be in hs next year, we may fly down at a different time(later so that she doesn't miss as much school) than our other family members. How far in advance do you book your air? What if it is close to a holiday? Please share any tips on getting the best fares!! TIA!!!

This is not a "should I take her out of school" thread. My dd absolutely hates to miss school!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

my dad started looking in dec for our flights when we booked our hotel/tix/etc for May. and we booked our flights about 3 months out but we checked the different sites (orbitz and expedia mostly) to check fares but i know some ppl book as soon as it is up for the week you go.

 

[darlak]

I don't always book right away. I just start keeping an eye on the flight prices and then book when it seems pretty good. I have gotten burned both ways, by booking too early and by booking too late. So you're taking a chance either way. It's only about a 10-hour drive for us as well (B'ham.,AL) , but we really love flying instead. We try to get an early flight going down and a late flight coming home. It's almost like extending your vacation a couple of days. I've already booked for our Sept. trip and paid $147 each for 6 round trip tickets with Delta. After I book, I don't even want to know if they drop more, but this is the best price I've ever gotten. If you're flying out of a major airport, like Atlanta, you might be able to get a better deal. In addition to your nearest airport, check any others within a reasonable driving distance. Also, check directly with each airline before booking through a site like Travelocity, etc.

 

[tinabheart]

We fly Airtran everywhere we go and I check their websites at least weekly, usually more often. They often have some really good deals as low as $39 one way.

They also have what they call their 'web specials' that come out about 6 - 8 weeks prior to travel dates. If my travel time is over a holiday (such as this Christmas) I will book as soon as the flights are available. I am paying $114 one way for the Christmas holiday and I booked them last month just because I wanted to make sure I got the days and times I wanted.