I'm embarrased to say that I am 28 years old with a husband and 3 children and I've only ever flown once in my life! And that flight was booked by a family member so all I had to do was show up! So I'm asking for a crash course in Airfare LOL! And if anyone really loves this sort of thing then maybe you could guide me the right direction.
So here's the deal...
My family and I have our first WDW vacation planned for this March, over our kids spring breaks/Easter. I have been reading these boards and trying to understand how to go about booking the cheapest airfare. We would need to fly out of Chicago. I have been reading about SouthWest and all the posts about DING so I downloaded that onto my computer. I also see that they aren't listing fare's for the end of March until Nov. 8th.
So I have a few questions.....
First off when I put in "fake" dates for SW flights I see that there are a few different fare choices. For example, Special, Resticted, Advance, Discount, Internet. I see that the prices are different, but otherwise what is the difference?
Also, if I book a flight on Nov. 8th when the SW fare's are available and then in a few months there is a much better DING fare, then can I book the DING and get a refund?
How quickly do flights sell out? Should I chance just waiting on a DING fare? And is it even likely that there will be a DING fare for Chicago to Orlando?
And how does the fare pricing usually go? Is it likely that the fare's that SW lists on the 8th will be low or are they typically high fare's to start, then go lower, then back up as the date approaches?
One last thing, is SW the way to go? Or do I have other, cheaper, options? I've looked at other airlines, but so far all that I can find are prices from $370-$650
I REALLY appreciate anyone that can help me out!
Thanks

So here's the deal...
My family and I have our first WDW vacation planned for this March, over our kids spring breaks/Easter. I have been reading these boards and trying to understand how to go about booking the cheapest airfare. We would need to fly out of Chicago. I have been reading about SouthWest and all the posts about DING so I downloaded that onto my computer. I also see that they aren't listing fare's for the end of March until Nov. 8th.
So I have a few questions.....
First off when I put in "fake" dates for SW flights I see that there are a few different fare choices. For example, Special, Resticted, Advance, Discount, Internet. I see that the prices are different, but otherwise what is the difference?
Also, if I book a flight on Nov. 8th when the SW fare's are available and then in a few months there is a much better DING fare, then can I book the DING and get a refund?
How quickly do flights sell out? Should I chance just waiting on a DING fare? And is it even likely that there will be a DING fare for Chicago to Orlando?
And how does the fare pricing usually go? Is it likely that the fare's that SW lists on the 8th will be low or are they typically high fare's to start, then go lower, then back up as the date approaches?
One last thing, is SW the way to go? Or do I have other, cheaper, options? I've looked at other airlines, but so far all that I can find are prices from $370-$650

I REALLY appreciate anyone that can help me out!
Thanks
