Booking air in advance

[johnnyr]

Well, I was hoping to use my frequent flyer miles for our trip in April, but according to US Airways site and reservations office, the dates are sold out. It looks like I will have to purchase the tickest for this trip. It doesn't make sense, because I can purchase tickets, but can't redeem Dividend Miles for that date. Same flights and all. Arghhh!

We are going to WDW on April 5, 2004. Prices are not the best that I have seen. Is it too far in advance to tell what the prices will be at that time of year? Am I trying to book too early and that is why I am getting these results? Thanks

John

 

[prncess674]

availability for award travel opens up all the time. I would hold out for a while before purchasing a ticket if you have adequate Dividend Miles for a free trip. Low fares will probably not be released until 3 to 4 months prior to your date.

 

[kda]

Can you use USAir miles on another airline that might have availability? I've lost track of which airlines are affiliated now, but in the past I've used Delta miles to book a flight on United (not to Disney). They no longer have that affiliation, but I know USAir is now connected with one of the other big airlines and you might have another option.

Award travel availability DOES fluctuate (unless this happens to be around Easter, which could be a more popular time for bookings). We booked an award ticket 6 weeks ago and I've seen the availability of award seats go back and forth for that particular weekend. Good luck!

 

[alexturner74]

The use of frequent flyer miles and flight availability generally don't have anything in common. Usually only a handful of seats per flight are available for award travel. So, the flight could be only 10% sold and you wouldn't be able to get an award seat on it.

I know on Delta you can use double the normal mileage and get on any flight that has an available seat. Don't know about US Airways.

 

[johnnyr]

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like it may be too far in advance to book. I even looked at other airlines, but don't see any deals yet. I am able to use my miles for a trip we will be taking next July, but I don't want to lock in a flight almost a year in advance. I think I am going to hold out on the April 5th trip and see what turns up in the next couple of months. $239.00 a ticket from Philly to MCO is too high.

 

[DebbieB]

USAir shares with United. You are going close to Easter, it may be difficult to get seats. Easter is April 11 next year. People maybe taking their spring breaks that week before.