BOS to MCO for NEXT Aug...when to buy??

[SeaSpray]

Hi all!

We're very excited, we have a 7 night Disney cruise already booked for next August. We'll be flying down on a Friday, the day before the cruise, which is August 27th, then flying home the following Saturday, September 4th. September 4th is the Saturday of Labor Day weekend that year! Will this effect the airline rates? I know that an average/decent rate for Boston to Orlando is about $200 per person, round trip. I am going to start watching the fares as soon as they open up for those dates, which I guess won't be until October some time, right?? Does anyone know if the rates will be higher because we'll be flying back during Labor Day weekend? Any idea what would be customary fares for that time of year? Thanks in advance!

 

[BobH]

You can book 331 days ahead I believe. That being said I just watch the fares and pick one that satifies me. If I get a $180 to $200 fare from Boston I feel great. I'll pay as much as $250 from Boston if I am really committed to my trip dates. I have seen ridiculously low fares in January - under $160. You'll pay top dollar for February Presidents week vacation, April vacation and major holidays - $400+. I just learned a good tip right here on this board - should you get a fare and then find the price drops you can get a voucher for the airline for use on your next trip - there are restrictions as to how long you can use the voucher etc.
Use travelocity and orbitz and visit your favorite airlines websit and you will quickly find that a reasonble fare from Boston is currently $200 to $250. I wouldn't think Labor Day would be a major travel hoiday to Florida to I would think you can get an average fare. Hope this helps.

 

[jel0511]

The only problem with booking sofar in advance though, are the inevitable schedule changes. It night not cause you too much trouble flying down since you're going the night before the cruise, but comng home could pose a problem. If you pick the "perfect" flight time now, it might no longer exist when it comes time to travel. The airline might even put you on a flight that might be impossible to get to after debarking the ship. So, just keep that in mind when booking so far in advance. I also think that your flight has to move by more than 90 minutes before you can change your itenery for free, so also remember that when picking a return flight.

 

[SeaSpray]

Bob and Lori:

Thanks for the tips! I will keep my eye on the fares and try not to book too far out. I'm sure they will make itinerary changes between the time I book and the actual flights, but as long as they don't change too drastically we should be able to work around that.

 

[Jillpie]

I would strongly go with the 331 days in advance rule. I have used this method and it really works great. It takes a little work however. You need to get on the phone exactly at midnight 331 days prior to your trip and you will get the lowest fares. Out of Boston, you'll probably be going with Song. (But call the Delta number, as all you'll get from Song is a recording) That is what we are using in January. They are pretty fixed with their flight times now, they haven't changed since last June or so with their daily flight times out of Boston. Good luck.

 

[weary traveler]

Just so you know i go every year last week of august into first week of september.. the last three years i have paid 49 dollars each way into orlando from providence.. i stay at the marriott courtyard at disney village for 39 bucks a night.. (3 years running lol).. so you might want to keep that in consideration. I live in plymouth..

 

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by Jillpie
I would strongly go with the 331 days in advance rule. I have used this method and it really works great. It takes a little work however. You need to get on the phone exactly at midnight 331 days prior to your trip and you will get the lowest fares. Out of Boston, you'll probably be going with Song. (But call the Delta number, as all you'll get from Song is a recording) That is what we are using in January. They are pretty fixed with their flight times now, they haven't changed since last June or so with their daily flight times out of Boston. Good luck.

The obsessive planner in me LOVES the idea of booking as far out as possible. LOL The rates will be low at exactly the 331 day out mark?? I never knew that...I'll have to check it out! Thanks!

 

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by weary traveler
Just so you know i go every year last week of august into first week of september.. the last three years i have paid 49 dollars each way into orlando from providence.. i stay at the marriott courtyard at disney village for 39 bucks a night.. (3 years running lol).. so you might want to keep that in consideration. I live in plymouth..

Thanks for the tip, $49 each way is extremely inexpensive! How far out does Southwestern let you book the flights?? I will definitely keep this in mind.

P.S. We just got back from a day trip to Plymouth, I love that town, it's one of my favorite places to bring visiting friends and relatives to. We had an early dinner at Sam Diego's.

 

[beattyfamily]

I booked at about 328 days out...I started looking right at the 331 mark for this Nov 29 & Dec 7 trip. It fluctuated between $229, $219, $209 and then $181. My 331 fell on a Friday. I checked that whole weekend and booked on the Monday which was $181.

That same flight has never come down and only shot way up. It's at $380.

I'm very happy I booked when I did.

 

[weary traveler]

usually about three months out.. they are running till october 1st now.. sometime late september they drop the fares running up to and including just before christmas.. you might be uneasy being three months out without airfare.. but it seems you can always do something on delta or song for about 220 rt... i find it interesting that i hit the 49 year after year and i usually travel the last week of august, then the day after thanksgiving.. but i have no kids.. (just grandkids lol).. but with southwest you also keep your eye on tampa as well.. sign up for their email notification you get it before anyone else.. (www.southwest.com).. glad you enjoyed plymouth next time down try Mama Mia's on the waterfront.. best pizza and pasta on the south shore..

 

[DJGifford]

I like flying Southwest...but not having the ability to book a good distance in advance bugs me. I like to be a bit type A with planning...They also really discount their prices 2-3 weeks before dates, but I know i can't wait that long.

I now fly PanAm out of Portsmouth NH...good pricing, not cheap like $50 each way, but, free parking, and always nonstop direct flights, which is easier when traveling with 3 kids...

I can never get better prices out of Manchester NH or Boston.
(last I checked, Southwest was booking til January 16th)

Dolores

 

[airhead]

Ok,I live in a cave cuz I didn't know I could fly out of Portsmouth!!!! I also hate waiting to buy my plane tickets. What's the website for Portsmouth airport?