best strategy from BWI to MCO from Southwest

[3kidz4dis]

We will by flying out of BWI on May 4th and have been trying to watch for when Southwest posted their flights but I must have missed it when it started because they are posted. So my question is what is the best way to do this. I don't want to use DING because the dates are too close to the travel times and I dont' want to take the chance, but today I was checking the flights and it was 79.00 one way and then I got my DING update and it jumped up to @129.00 just like that. I was hoping to pay no more than 59-69 and I know it goes lower than that. What is the best way to do this? Just keep checking every day?

 

[dlrhine]

I'm in the same boat. We will be going to Disney 4/29-5/09 and I need to get airfare...looks like I'll wait for a ding...however I'll be on edge.

 

[Luckymommyx2]

It's still really early, believe it or not. I know it gets nerve racking but I was looking at my SWA fares from 4-30 to 5-7 earlier this year and it looks like I was changing to sale fares as late as 4-8! I ended up with a base fare of $45 each way. We go down several times a year so I always grab a sale fare then hope for dings or bigger sales then use the credit for a future trip. Good luck...hope this helps!

 

[3kidz4dis]

It's still really early, believe it or not. I know it gets nerve racking but I was looking at my SWA fares from 4-30 to 5-7 earlier this year and it looks like I was changing to sale fares as late as 4-8! I ended up with a base fare of $45 each way. We go down several times a year so I always grab a sale fare then hope for dings or bigger sales then use the credit for a future trip. Good luck...hope this helps!

Do you know when we missed it? When should I have started looking to fly out in May? I thought it was 4 months, guess I was wrong. Do you think I should buy now at $125.00 each way and use the credit or is it just too high right now either way?

 

[Luckymommyx2]

You really didn't miss anything. The only time I book when they first release dates is when I feel the need to secure a particular flight time. No way would I buy at $125 each way! The most I've ever paid was $79 each way and I still ended up getting large credits due to sale fares later on. You can definitely do better, even without DING! You should start seeing some sales late February, early March. The good DING! fares will be even closer time--probably March and April. For example, I just received a DING! on the 18th of this month for my trip next week. Just be careful because some of the DING! fares are not as good as the regular sale/internet specials that they run.
The great thing about BWI and SWA is that they are always running a lot of flights and a lot of specials. Just try to check the SWA site as often as you feel comfortable and grab those specials as soon as you see them. I have just gotten into the habit of checking at least once a day (more closer the time of our vacation ) usually after checking my email or DIS'ing. Some people don't like to do it that often but it doesn't bother me and it really has paid off for me.
Sorry to ramble...if you have any other questions, please feel free. Happy planning!!

 

[3kidz4dis]

You really didn't miss anything. The only time I book when they first release dates is when I feel the need to secure a particular flight time. No way would I buy at $125 each way! The most I've ever paid was $79 each way and I still ended up getting large credits due to sale fares later on. You can definitely do better, even without DING! You should start seeing some sales late February, early March. The good DING! fares will be even closer time--probably March and April. For example, I just received a DING! on the 18th of this month for my trip next week. Just be careful because some of the DING! fares are not as good as the regular sale/internet specials that they run.
The great thing about BWI and SWA is that they are always running a lot of flights and a lot of specials. Just try to check the SWA site as often as you feel comfortable and grab those specials as soon as you see them. I have just gotten into the habit of checking at least once a day (more closer the time of our vacation ) usually after checking my email or DIS'ing. Some people don't like to do it that often but it doesn't bother me and it really has paid off for me.
Sorry to ramble...if you have any other questions, please feel free. Happy planning!!

Thanks so much, I will take your advise, wait and check everyday, I am on the computer everyday anyway. Thanks!

 

[Luckymommyx2]

You're welcome! Here's some good vibes and pixie dust for those $35 and $45 fares!!