Booking airline tickets

[DonaldnDaisy5]

We are looking to fly to Disney next summer. Somewhat flexible in June and all of July. August is out because kids sports start up.

I've been watching flight prices and they seemed to be best in early January and now for summer travel, is this true?

Which airlines do you prefer? We'd be flying from Michigan to Orlando, with 3 kids. Actually it's a group of 10 people, two families of five each.

I am planning booking reservations as soon as package prices for 2015 come out since our room options are limited.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I would recommend Southwest airlines.

* they offer 2 free checked bags per person. Which could be a savings of $100 - $150 per person X 5 people = $500 - $750 for your family.
* if your flight price goes down you can switch to the lower price and the money will be refunded in the form of travel fund good for another trip taken within one year of the orginial purchase date.
* If you need to change your travel dates you can change your ticket for FREE.
* Free inflight drinks and snacks.
* Most flights have free direct TV if you take a computer with you.
* Since you have a total of 10 people in your party you can call SWA to book your tickets and for groups of more than 8 people the offer a 10% discount on tickets. And NO it does not cost extra to call and book your tickets like it does with a lot of the other airlines.

If you watch for the SWA credit card offer of 50,000 miles and fly when the prices are $150 - $160 each way you can easily get 3 r/t for a total of $60 - which are the taxes you will need to pay, plus the miles it would take to get those tickets. They just had the offer and it ended earlier this week but the run it all the time.

 

[DonaldnDaisy5]

We're avoiding new credit cards but may have to consider that one next time the deal is out!

I didn't realize there was a discount for groups of 8 or more! Thanks!!!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Keep in mind all airlines offer group rates; you can find this information on airline websites.

I assume your trip is for summer 2015? The legacy airlines (not Southwest or JetBlue), will be releasing their June 2015 fares this July. Check out what fares are for this June/July, so you have some idea of what to expect.

Personally, if I were flying with a group which includes 6 children, I would chose an airline with assigned seating, not Southwest.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Last June we flew with a group of 9 and we saved $300 with the 10% discount so in reality one person flew for nearly free since the tickets were $329 r/t.

Oh and we had 5 kids and we did not have an issue being able to sit together. We did have one family in the middle of the plan and the other family a few rows back. We did not do the EBCI. We checked in right at the 24 hr mark and got the high B boarding number.

 

[Andeevan]

We like Southwest out of Flint. Nonstop flights and it's usually cheaper prices then out of Detroit, plus it's a much smaller airport and easier to navigate. They don't release their fares til 6 months out though.

 

[DonaldnDaisy5]

Will definitely keep an eye out this summer. Already checking on this summers rates.

The seating was a concern but I am thinking we can work something out....

 

[mrsp1030]

JetBlue or southwest will get you the best deals especially regarding baggage. We fly those or united as my husband has status so our bags are free there.

 

[mrsp1030]

Also, always look for new deals on Tuesday/Wednesdays and early sat morning. This is by far the cheapest days of the week to purchase a ticket. Never book a ticket on a Friday afternoon just b/c you can't wait till Tuesday to arrive.....your wallet will thank you later.

 

[sandscheng6]

Thanks for the tips about when to schedule airline tickets for the best deal.

 

[Moniqu17]

I know people hate them but we fly spirit out of Detroit. They always have the best deals even factoring in checked luggage and paying 10 for seat assignment. We check one or two pieces and then take the rest in backpacks. You can carry backpacks on for free still. Of course no free snacks but we take ours and buy a drink before take off.

Our friends are flying down as well with two kids and they also found the best deal with spirit after luggage costs etc.

We have flown SW but even with free luggage it wasn't cheaper. And the no seat assignment stresses me out even though it worked out.

 

[ThisIsJason]

We like Southwest out of Flint. Nonstop flights and it's usually cheaper prices then out of Detroit, plus it's a much smaller airport and easier to navigate. They don't release their fares til 6 months out though.

Thank you for this info! I didn't even know Southwest flew out of Flint. When we go to Disney next year my wife and I are taking SW, and were going to fly out of Grand Rapids. They are stopping nonstop out of GR, and prices went way up (and I really wanted to nonstop). That is awesome. Won't have to drive to Midway in Chicago now!