Another Flight Question

[Autism Mom]

Okay, my family will be traveling the last week in January and we have finally narrowed down our flights. We have been keeping an eye on prices and they have pretty much stayed the same. My question is, should we book now, or is there a chance they may drop before they go back up again?

Also, we were thinking of Southwest. Is there anything I need to know traveling with 3 kids?

Thanks!

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

Okay, my family will be traveling the last week in January and we have finally narrowed down our flights. We have been keeping an eye on prices and they have pretty much stayed the same. My question is, should we book now, or is there a chance they may drop before they go back up again?

Also, we were thinking of Southwest. Is there anything I need to know traveling with 3 kids?

Thanks!

I always book domestic travel 8-12 weeks out and usually get great prices, so I would probably do it now or in the very near future.

As far as SW goes, they are my favorite airline to fly because of their stellar customer service. With that in mind, when traveling with my kids I always fly other airlines, usually USAir because we can reserve our seats ahead of time and I don't have to worry about the chance I "might" not be able to sit with them. I know it's a very remote chance but it's just me. Just my $.02

 

[poohs4me]

Southwest you will be able to rebook at the lower fare and get a credit if that helps.

Agreed with the prior post about sitting together. Even if you book early bird you may not get all together because some flights are stop over and people do not have to deplane. Recently I was early bird and when I got on the flight was 3/4 full from the continuation flight. Also, if you choose to not book early bird, please do not expect someone who paid the extra to give up their seat. Many people are very nice and want to keep the family together BUT as a parent if you choose to go the cheap way people may figure you get what you paid for.

 

[MickeyMeCrazy]

The best time to purchase tickets is usually 6-8 weeks prior, however, if it's around a holiday or there is a big event happening in your departure or arrival city around your dates of travel, the sooner the better.

May I ask which two airports you would be traveling to/from and what the price is that you're coming up with? I manage the travel department at a meeting and event planning company, am a certified travel agent, and worked for an airline prior to my current position, so I can usually judge by the city pairs if it's a "good fare" or not.

Personally, I would have no problem choosing Southwest with kids. I have a 4 year old, and we have never not been able to sit together. If you have a large family and absolutely do not want to split up, I can see you wanting to fly another airline for the pre-reserved seat assignments, however, please know that your specific seat assignment is really never guaranteed, even if you pay extra for a specific seat. One aircraft swap to a different aircraft type, and everything goes out the window with seats. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen. Is it just you and the 3 children, or will there be another adult traveling? In my opinion, Southwest is the way to go!

 

[SuperDry]

Another thing to consider is that Southwest does not participate in on-board check-in and baggage check at the end of the cruise.

 

[poohs4me]

But you do each get 2 free bags as well!!