Assuming the situation in Libya is resolved soon....

[roscoepc1]

Do flights generally go down when you get closer to a trip date? When they're trying to fill planes? I am looking at DTW-MCO May 1, and home on the 6th. Preferably evening flights, to make the most of our time there....I didn't have the money to buy tickets when Spirit had their deals on....now the prices are

Hoping I can get something cheaper closer to the date?

I'm not a seasoned traveller, so that's why I have to ask such probably-dumb questions!

TIA!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

As a general rule, the closer you get to the flight the more likely it will go UP not down. Airlines depend on the willingness of those last minute business travelers to make thier profit. Generally I wouldn't wait more then 4 weeks out to buy...

If you can shift that return a day it's almost a $50 per ticket savings. I am seeing $189 on both the 5th and 7th. I think that may be the best you do right now (note: I did not check Spirit, they don't show in the airline booking services and they would have to pay me to fly them So they may be cheaper!)

 

[prncess674]

I am trying to understand your post title, why do you think the civil unrest in Libya has any effect on US ticket prices on short haul flights? Ticket prices may rise slightly due to fuel costs, but I would doubt you will see major price dips.

 

[bytheblood]

I am trying to understand your post title, why do you think the civil unrest in Libya has any effect on US ticket prices on short haul flights?

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...q=0&aqi=m1&aql=&oq=lybia+affecting+gas+prices

 

[kesha]

Do flights generally go down when you get closer to a trip date? When they're trying to fill planes? I am looking at DTW-MCO May 1, and home on the 6th. Preferably evening flights, to make the most of our time there....I didn't have the money to buy tickets when Spirit had their deals on....now the prices are

Hoping I can get something cheaper closer to the date?

I'm not a seasoned traveller, so that's why I have to ask such probably-dumb questions!

TIA!

I just booked for June 1st from Dtw to Mco and thought 189.00 was good compared to Toledo or Fort Wayne where I ususally fly out of. They wanted around $400. Southwest you can save a little more because your bags fly free. I think that was a savings of around $28.00 a ticket for me. I decided to go with Delta cause I had more flights to choose from and they were nonstop. The bad part for me was that Dtw is a further drive but for difference in money I couldn't pass it up.

 

[perkydizbride]

It has been my experience as well that prices go up as time gets closer to the flight.

Unfortunately this is the reason why I'm cancelling our April trip.
The price has gone from the usual 200-225 to 400. Yuck

Chris

 

[prncess674]

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...q=0&aqi=m1&aql=&oq=lybia+affecting+gas+prices

I am not an idiot and know that it is having small effects on the local car prices, but there has been no news stating that airlines have increased ticket prices due to Libya. Airlines work on longer term gas contracts, verses you or I who pull up to the pump every few days. Your trip falls between the high spring break and the big summer season and you are in a very cold part of the country and as others have pointed out the ticket prices are decent if you are flexible on your days. I reviewed your days and tickets are in the $225 range. Why is that an unacceptable fare? The sub $200 fares are now an exciting sale that are few and far between and are seen during low season.

 

[keishashadow]

I am not an idiot and know that it is having small effects on the local car prices, but there has been no news stating that airlines have increased ticket prices due to Libya. Airlines work on longer term gas contracts, verses you or I who pull up to the pump every few days. Your trip falls between the high spring break and the big summer season and you are in a very cold part of the country and as others have pointed out the ticket prices are decent if you are flexible on your days. I reviewed your days and tickets are in the $225 range. Why is that an unacceptable fare? The sub $200 fares are now an exciting sale that are few and far between and are seen during low season.

many of us forced to travel prime time (weekend days) and we do accept a premium over mid week fares, however; the game has changed dramatically for the dates I typically book (June/July)

it's all over the news-tv & print, here's the 1st article that popped up in a search

http://www.ecanadanow.com/world/us-world/2011/02/23/airlines-move-to-increase-air-fares/

i was waiting to buy 2 seats over the weekend the situation escalated, by Monday the fares had nudged just a hair...i waited until mid morning & prices on SWA had risen over $100 per ticket. I wound up booking a later flight but still paid more than i had for the exact same dates last year for 3 people.

all this week the fare has been another $90 higher per ticket or nearly $800 for 2 tickets that cost less than $400 last year.

fyi, AT is even higher

im just holding out hope that demand for travel might fall and the prices will drop on seats i've booked, resulting in a credit to use for travel for other trip the end of the year.

 

[prncess674]

Your specific flights may have gone up, but that doesn't mean ALL flights have gone up. You want the creme de la creme of flights but yet want to pay table scrap prices.

 

[keishashadow]

Your specific flights may have gone up, but that doesn't mean ALL flights have gone up. You want the creme de la creme of flights but yet want to pay table scrap prices.

yep, it's only the best for meand the majority of leisure travelers, who do fly on the weekends

my illustration is based upon a correlation with the libyan situation/oil price increase that is evidenced by both numerous 'expert' reports and my personal experience as to where my fares were priced the week prior to the situation and the weeks hence.

i don't really care if midweek non-peak flights are still cheap as i don't book them, as it's comparing apples to oranges imo. For those can take advantage of those typically lower priced fares, good for you!It's all abount supply & demand, if too many of the weekend warriors do segue over to mid-week, better hope they don't rise similarly to what i have experienced.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Do flights generally go down when you get closer to a trip date?

Just the opposite. Generally, the closer it is to flight date, the higher the price. Don't look for your May flights to have any kind of price cut, unless you get very, very lucky.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Airfares were UP from last year pre "Egypt", "Libya" etc...

The airlines have dramatically reduced capacity on some routes allowing them to charge more and make a profit. (Something they had not done for years with the $59 airfares that folks loved)

Realistically, what in your life has not gone up in the past year(besides your salary ) Everything is going up and airfare is not an exception.

The airlines are doing small "fuel" increases but the bulk of what you are seeing is not the effect of the "crisis du jour" but the overall trend of airfare.

 

[Jellylorum]

I was able to get a good fare today for the first week in April. I was surprised. I am guessing that its because Easter is late this year and there are fewer kids out of school?

 

[roscoepc1]

Geez Louise! I'm not a seasoned traveller and just asked what I thought was a simple question!

I have to travel what is considered "prime time"...don't have a choice. I'm trying to keep costs down b/c this a surprise trip, dh knows nothing about it, and I'm having to scrounge for the money a bit at a time so he doesn't notice....

I didn't realize I was asking a question equivalent to "creation vs. evolution"!

I'm at $488 right now on Travelocity...that's not too bad, imho, but considering a month ago, when I didn't have the cash, it was $220, it's a big jump!

 

[eliza61]

OK, this is my cynical brain working, I have no proof on this theory.
My gut tells me that not many fares are going to be dropping any time soon.

1) Even if the crisis in Libya clears up today, much of what makes the price of a barrel of oil is market driven and speculation driven. Will the gurus on wall street feel confident of the entire middle east situation to stop the speculation. No.

2) This was a hard winter for many airlines, so a bit of price gouging maybe kicking in. Many flights were cancelled (which results in lost revenue) this winter so charging a higher fee even though they are still using their current fuel contracts is an easy boost to the bottom line.

3) Airlines speculate just like wall st. If the big wigs at the airlines think they will be paying higher fuel prices in the near future, you can bet they are hedging their bets now.

My basic rule is to buy when you have the money and play the "waiting" game after.

 

[bytheblood]

I am not an idiot and know that it is having small effects on the local car prices, but there has been no news stating that airlines have increased ticket prices due to Libya. Airlines work on longer term gas contracts, verses you or I who pull up to the pump every few days. Your trip falls between the high spring break and the big summer season and you are in a very cold part of the country and as others have pointed out the ticket prices are decent if you are flexible on your days. I reviewed your days and tickets are in the $225 range. Why is that an unacceptable fare? The sub $200 fares are now an exciting sale that are few and far between and are seen during low season.

Gee, nobody called you an idiot. I would maybe call you defensive at this point.

 

[Tinkerbell58]

I'm at $488 right now on Travelocity...that's not too bad, imho, but considering a month ago, when I didn't have the cash, it was $220, it's a big jump!

Have you tried pricing flights on an airline's website vs. a travel website (such as Travelocity)? Most times, an airline's website will cost less.

 

[roscoepc1]

Have you tried pricing flights on an airline's website vs. a travel website (such as Travelocity)? Most times, an airline's website will cost less.

Yup...ad nauseum...so far, Travelocity is the cheapest....

 

[prncess674]

I'm at $488 right now on Travelocity...that's not too bad, imho, but considering a month ago, when I didn't have the cash, it was $220, it's a big jump!

Not sure why you are seeing $488 per ticket. Delta is showing $223 per ticket which is VERY reasonable considering the reduction in flights and the fact that DL and NW have merged in the last few years which eliminated redundancy and competition on these flights. The new DL is no longer competing with old NW and therefore can name there own price on that route. Sorry it doesn't fit your needs. Might want to tune up the car if it doesn't fit your needs.

 

[roscoepc1]

Not sure why you are seeing $488 per ticket. Delta is showing $223 per ticket which is VERY reasonable considering the reduction in flights and the fact that DL and NW have merged in the last few years which eliminated redundancy and competition on these flights. The new DL is no longer competing with old NW and therefore can name there own price on that route. Sorry it doesn't fit your needs. Might want to tune up the car if it doesn't fit your needs.

That was for the two of us...the total. And I didn't say I wouldn't pay it...just wondered if it would go down again, since it was lower before.

I just bought our tickets on Travelocity, Delta airlines. $478 for us both. Driving is out of the question, both financially b/c of the distance, and time-wise. I'm A-ok with what I paid....just asked a simple question.