booking the plane

[TIGGER1981]

We are going down to Disney Oct 27-Nov 5...

How soon/late should I book the plane tickets?

I've been waiting...and waiting...and so far there is only 1 flight that is an early morning flight...we'd get to MCO at 9:30am...I know that would be too soon to check in at the resort...

do you think the airlines will put more flights out once it gets closer? or should I just suck it up, book the early flight, and head to a park instead of checking in?

 

[Jestocost]

Most airlines are looking to reduce costs and are cutting back on their schedules at this point. As a result, it is unlikely that anyone will be adding many flights.

If the price of that morning flight fits your budget, I would book it and spend the day at the parks. Use DME and have them get your luggage (if you are staying at a Disney resort), check in (although your room likely won't be ready) and head to a park. When you are done for the day, you can get your room and your luggage should be there waiting for you.

 

[ParrotBill]

We are going down to Disney Oct 27-Nov 5...

How soon/late should I book the plane tickets?

Once the 6 month mark is past, book as soon as there is a price point you can live with. By 3 months, popular flights are usually full or close to it with prices going up.

You can graph price trends on Kayak.com.

 

[TheWog]

I say book it. You can check-in, you just can't have access to your room. They will call you later in the day when it is ready and as mentioned your bags should be there waiting for you.

 

[Alesia]

We are going down to Disney Oct 27-Nov 5...

How soon/late should I book the plane tickets?

I've been waiting...and waiting...and so far there is only 1 flight that is an early morning flight...we'd get to MCO at 9:30am...I know that would be too soon to check in at the resort...

do you think the airlines will put more flights out once it gets closer? or should I just suck it up, book the early flight, and head to a park instead of checking in?

You can check in as early as 6:30, they just won't guarantee that your room will be ready.

I would book the flight now! 9:30 is a great time to arrive. You can plan on being checked in by about 11:00. Then you can head to the parks for the rest of the day.

 

[Missytara]

Book it; I am going November 28th through December 6th and I bought my tickets three weeks ago. I got a very, very good price from BWI to MCO. Remember, it is a heavy traveled weekend, and seats will go quickly.

 

[jbdisneymom13]

Possibly we've just been really lucky - but two different times we've gotten to the resort in the morning to find our room ready for us then! One time was even right at the height of Christmas travel. So you may just get a nice surprise when you arrive. Even if you can't have your room, I wouldn't hesitate to get there and head to the parks.

 

[Tozzie]

I don't book my flights until about 6-8 weeks before my trip, usually because I can't decide how early I want to fly. However I live about 20 minutes, in different directions, from 2 major airports so I know that I will most likely be able to get a flight even if I have to fly a airline other than my prefered. If your airport or chosen airline doesn't have that many flights to Orlando I wouldn't wait that long.

 

[TIGGER1981]

thanks so much for all the replies!

I did it! I just booked the flight!