i have done my research extensively...firstly, do not book on line or via phone if you do not have to. if you purchase the airfare at the airport counter directly, you will not incur the $14.00 fee per passanger along with the $10.00 booking fee per passenger. you would just pay the taxes. i have done this at least 5 times. we usually fly out of youngstown, oh. i was actually thinking about booking for january...but my hubby wants to drive 18 hrs...is he crazyanyways, if you are checking bags, definately purchase at time of ticket purchase bc it is definately more at flight time. we usually take 3 good size carry ons (me, dh, ds (4)) and one checked bag. that helps a little. hope this helps!!
A little OT:
I just wanted to reassure you the trip can be a pleasant one. We did it last year from central PA and plan to do it again. Our kids were 5 and 3, now 6 and 4 for the drive. We just had surprise bags made from dolor store items for every couple of hours. The kids loved getting their prize bags all the way down and back.
anyways, if you are checking bags, definately purchase at time of ticket purchase bc it is definately more at flight time. we usually take 3 good size carry ons (me, dh, ds (4)) and one checked bag. that helps a little. hope this helps!!

