Booking Flights

[Montana Minnies]

How far in advance do you book your flights? Our trip isn't until August 3, 2004 and with our 84 year old mother traveling with us we want to be sure to get coach seats close to the front with a lot of leg room. Our travel agent tells us to book ASAP for the companion fare and in order to get the seats we may want. If the fare does go down and she re-tickets us it may cost an extra $25-$100 more. Remember that we are from MONTANA. So about the best we may do is $350 RT. With that in mind, should we wait and take a chance that Dear Mom will be able to get a comfortable seat on the flights or should we book really early and hope the fare won't go down.
Any advice or opinion you have on the subject is appreciated

 

[Tigger Fans!]

I booked our flights myself without the use of a Travel Agent. We're flying from SLC to Orlando for $178 roundtrip. I'd suggest signing up for the email updates on the airline websites - they offer some pretty great one day specials (that's how I found my fare).

If you need to book now I'd suggest checking into a refundable rate with no restrictions. Then if rates go down you will be able to change your plans without penalty.

 

[CarolA]

I think the only way to get Mom comfortable seats is to buy her a first class. I know AA advertises the "more room through coach" but they are quitely reducing the number of flights with that feature. Other airlines are going the same way. Also, "up front" is generally blocked for frequent flyers.

My suggestion is to book when the fares get to your comfort level and if a sale does occur maybe you can get a credit. A refundable fare from Montana will probably cost you more then you even want to consider!!!

 

[rsschneck]

I know there are not too many options out of Billings (used to live there). Anyway, Alaska and Southwest are not options to get good deals this far in advance. I believe you would be looking at Delta and maybe United.

I just purchased for our August 2004 trip last week. I paid $228.00 round trip from Portland, OR (PDX) into Tampa, FL (TPA) best deal around and the drive is about a hour away from WDW. The fare this week for the same is $219.00. For the $9.00 savings I will wait to see if it goes down more before I call for vouchers.

I book online without the use of a Travel agent. If the fare goes down just call Delta directly and they will forward you to the right person for vouchers.

Good luck and let me know if flying into TPA saves you money as well.

 

[Montana Minnies]

Thanks everyone! You have some great suggestions. I appreciate it

Enid