Calling All Airfare Watching Experts

[GoingtoSeeRella]

I could really use some help and advice. Our 330 day window just opened up for our April Easter trip, and I've been checking the airfares. We went this past March for Easter as well, and paid about $220 per person from PHL.

The rates that just came out for April are about $550 per person for the times we want to fly (early a.m. arrival and later evening departure, non stop because we have 3 kiddos with us).

We're very limited out of Philly to begin with....and I'm such an obsessive planner that the thought of waiting for Southwest to open up will completely stress me out

I guess basically what I'm asking is....will the fares eventually come down from that initial $550 or will it only get worse?? Can it actually get worse?? $550 from PHL to MCO seems insane to me.

Any advice would sure be appreciated!! Thanks!!!

 

[Lewisc]

With the increasing price of jet fuel DEEPLY discounted fares might not be as easy to get. BUT I'D WAIT. SW flies N/S from PHL to MCO. The maximum, fully refundable fare is $370.99. SW is doing a better job, from their perspective, of limiting or eliminating the number of discounted seats on popular flight times. No guarantee you'll be able to get a fare below $200 R/T but if you have some flexibility on dates and flights you should get some type of internet discount. If you wind up paying 370.99 call for any youth fares that might be available.

 

[pumpkinboy]

For busy times like school vacation weeks, your only chance of getting the really good fares on non-stops would be reserving the minute the fares are released (and I am talking midnight on day n-330). Now sometimes, the airlines know they can sell all the tix for full freight, so the is no discounting at all, even early on.

In our case, we get the week after Presidents' Day for school vacation at most public schools in New England and parts of NY. I called Delta 331 days ahead for our outbound flight and got four tix at ~$83 apiece for the Friday before the holiday (so missing 1 day of school). Folks I spoke to on this board were apparently unable to get any cheap tickets on non-stops for the Saturday or Sunday. Also for the return trip, I was unable to find any cheap tix to fly non-stop, so we will either fly a connector (very unlikely for us) or pay full fare (~$300 apiece one-way). If I were reserving now for our Feb dates, I'd have to pay ~$600 r-t.

I know it will be nerve-wracking, but I think your best bet for a good fare would be waiting for SouthWest, and jumping on the fares as soon as they are available. Either that or watch for sales, new service, or whatever, or just get a more affordable connecting flight.

Good luck to you!

 

[Brian Noble]

Three words: Orbitz Deal Detector.

Plug your dates in, and set a *reasonable* price limit--you can even specify non-stop if you want. I'd use the SW full fare as the price limit to start. You will still have to check unlisted airlines (like SW) by hand, but it's easy and works surprisingly well. I check airfares constantly, and I still sometimes get a surprise from my friends at the ODD.

However, as soon as you see a fare you can live with, grab it. Don't worry about squeezing every last $10 out of the fare unless you really like playing chicken with the airlines pricing gurus.

 

[beccasmom]

I agree with all the above advice. Don't put all your eggs in one basket and approach this from all angles. $550 per person from Philly is insane, you're right! We've been going to WDW for many years and have never paid anywhere near that fare. You are visiting at a very busy time, but remain vigilant about fare-watching. I do not think it is impossible to improve on your fare and I actually believe it is quite doable. I don't think you will hit rock-bottom with another fare, but with SW now in the PHL market, things remain much more competitive. Use Ding, Travelocity, Orbitz, get on the USAirways and Delta mailing lists.....check the fares every day if you can. Connecting flights are a bit of a drag, but you might save big if you can be flexible about that. Also, don't rule out changing your dates one day or so if need be. I needed to do just that this year in order to get on any flight next month (we paid $179 pp)! Hunting down a good airfare takes strategy.....but it can pay off big......good luck!

 

[Cora]

The one thing that you need to keep in mind is that the week you are looking for is Easter week. The majority of school districts in the country will be off that week or the week before. Therefor, it is going to greatly effect the prices. We have traveled April break for the past 6 years. We are from Mass and our vacation only falls on Easter week every 3-4 years. On those years the airfare is VERY expensive and I have never seen it come down. I've been successful getting good fares at midnight 331 days out.
Good luck...don't mean to be a downer.