Book flight now or wait for SW?

[kelsco99]

I am going to DW in Sept/Oct. Southwest hasn't released their flights for that date yet.

If I book directly through Disney right now, I can get airfare from Buffalo for $217.00. Would you wait for Southwest or would take the $217 now?

 

[Scratch42]

How many people?

If it's for two or more, and direct flight, take it!

j

 

[Disney Fanatic]

My best advice would be if you are very flexible with your dates......WAIT!!!

If not, then you should book to make sure you get the space.

I think I have been spoiled wiith SW's rates because $217.00 seems like so much however I know in comparison to YYZ rates, it is cheap!!

Remember September is slow time in Fla and we travelled last year for the 3 of us for just over $300.00US. This was a ding with SW and I can't say for sure they will have it again but I definately would make a bet on it.

Good Luck with your decision.

 

[BitsnBearsMom]

We're going Oct 8-21 and i'm waiting. I called Disney yesterday and the best they could do for my dates was $280 per person. I have found a few cheaper flights but I'm hoping on southwest rates being a bit cheaper since it's an off season time!

 

[canron]

wait for southwest its usualy $39 to $45 in sept and be flexable with the dates by a day or 2

 

[dsneygirl]

Definitely wait. We went in Oct last year and didn't book until at least July maybe Aug. Like others have said it's low season and the flights won't sell out the first day.

 

[kelsco99]

Thanks everybody for helping me feel better about waiting.

I am just worried that airfare will shoot up really high and $217 isn't too bad. It sure isn't the best I've seen but it's not the worst either.

I can be a little bit flexible with the front end date but would prefer not to be. Isn't that always the way though?

 

[Princess4Eeyore]

Does Ding do Saturday flights - looking at Saturday in September?? Disney quoted $203 - also dont know if family should wait or book?
Help please

 

[riu girl]

It is my understanding that there hasn't been a SWA BUF-MCO Saturday DING since February. In February there were two weekends in a row when SWA DINGED BUF-MCO for a ton of spring dates including Saturdays. Someone please correct me if this info. is not correct.

But that was February.

If only able to fly on the weekend (as we are), I would be concerned that a DING fare may not be available.

 

[daisy_77]

Kelly,
I would take that $217 flight! That is a great deal considering how much gas is. My ticket for the trip was 377! Yikes!

 

[dsneygirl]

It is my understanding that there hasn't been a SWA BUF-MCO Saturday DING since February. In February there were two weekends in a row when SWA DINGED BUF-MCO for a ton of spring dates including Saturdays. Someone please correct me if this info. is not correct.

But that was February.

If only able to fly on the weekend (as we are), I would be concerned that a DING fare may not be available.

Even without a DING there are still specials and Funfares for $59-$79 each way. Will still save you a bit.

 

[riu girl]

Yes, I suppose there is always a good chance one of these fare types might become available.

We are flying down Dec 16 - Jan 6 and I am hoping for a decent fare for the Jan 6 (MCO-BUF) portion. But I am concerned about the Dec 16 portion. Since I am assuming some schools/colleges/universities may let out around Dec 15 for Christmas break, I don't know if I can get a good rate or not for this flight.

dsnygirl, I have always enjoyed reading your posts. You seem to really understand SWA out of BUF. Do you think that I might catch a break and get a decent ($59-$79) fare for BUF-MCO Sat Dec 16?

 

[dsneygirl]

dsnygirl, I have always enjoyed reading your posts. You seem to really understand SWA out of BUF. Do you think that I might catch a break and get a decent ($59-$79) fare for BUF-MCO Sat Dec 16?

Thank you. DH and I have used SW many, many times. And not just for MCO but Vegas and LA so I am pretty familiar with their practices. We flew last year on Sat Dec 10. I don't remember if we got a DING but I doubt we paid more than $79 because I think that's the most we've paid ever. I don't know what you're luck will be one week later and that much closer to the holidays.

DH and I's mantra with SW is "it hasn't let us down yet" and it hasn't. We've always been able to get a DING or a sale fare no matter our destination.

 

[LoriLea]

$217 sounds good to me!

We currently have flights with SW out of Buffalo for Sat Aug 26th, returning on Sun Sep 3rd. $1302 US for the 4 of us ($325 each). These are non-stop flights at the times that I wanted. Since I booked, the same flights have gone up to $365 each. I booked within minutes of our dates being released and all that was offered were Fun Fares at $154 one way. I was really hoping to get a better deal - but the whole trip ended up coming under budget as we had originally booked paying for the Dining Plan. When it became free, we saved $999.68.

At least the flight is cheaper than Toronto! And maybe I'll get a DING - but not holding my breath.

 

[kelsco99]

Wow, I am really seeing a mixed bag of opinions here. But I guess that is what the DIS is all about.

I do not enjoy this part of the trip planning.

If the best I did was a $79 fare through SW, would that include taxes or would the actual total be $158? I was thinking that is pretty close to 217 but actually even that savings would be worth waiting for. It could make the difference between doing or not doing MNSSHP.

Thanks for all the replies... keep them coming. I like hearing about everybody's experiences.

Kelly

 

[Princess4Eeyore]

Thanks for the help everyone ... Maybe we will wait a bit - does everyone book online - or do you also call the airline directly?

Thanks!

 

[iluvwesties]

If you want to be sure you have a flight for the dates you need, then book with SWA at $217

BUT...

Don't forget, You can always purchase the flight if a DING fare comes up and cancel the higher cost flight so that you will have a credit with SWA (good for another trip)

This way you WIN (I did this for my upcoming trip next weekend )

You will have your flight booked and you will get the best fare if DING comes up and have a credit with SWA (which will ultimately get you back to Disney )


Hope this helps,

iluvwesties (aka Carol)

 

[Disney Fanatic]

I forgot to mention that its either Travelocity or Expedia that you can put in your departure city and destination and they will e-mail you when a flight in your price range comes up.

There are quite a few other airlines that also give great deals but you will have to conncect.

Don't forget, if Sept is your month of preference, you care travelling during one of the slowest periods for Fla travel as all the kids are back to school.
I still think you will get a great rate if you are flexible with your dates.

Just don't plan a trip before the kids go back or you are going to pay top dollar.