Calling all Enablers!

[ragtopday]

So I just got back from a 7 day cruise on the Magic with the kids, and Sandy (sandyh67 and her DH and kids) and almost the minute we got home Disney announced the kids sail free promotion. I got what I think is a great quote for a 4 night cruise during the kids' February break, but so far the air fare is more than the cruise! I really, really want to do this, but I'm having trouble justifying the high air fare. Does anyone have any hints or tricks? I've even looked at flying into just about any other airport in Florida, but the rates are no better (TPA, FLL, MLB, JAX, etc). We usually fly SW non-stop from Manchester, NH to MCO but non-stop routes during this time frame seem to be few and expensive. I especially hate to add a stop in February due to weather concerns.

Anyway, I've spewed a lot - do it, book a flight and hope fares go down, or say hey, we just did this, no need for another right away.

TIA!

 

[georgemoe]

I'm under 17. Can I be your 3rd child?

Hi Kristen. Unfortunately fares are stable and high during school break weeks. Unless of course this economy continues into 2010 with uncertainty maybe they will go down a little if the planes aren't filling. Doubtful though.

For my upcoming trips in October and December I've been able to re-book lower on all four parts of the trip from initial purchase. These are our favorite MHT to MCO nonstops as well. Maybe you'll get lucky and will see some fare decreases. I hope so.

 

[ragtopday]

I'm under 17. Can I be your 3rd child?

Hi Kristen. Unfortunately fares are stable and high during school break weeks. Unless of course this economy continues into 2010 with uncertainty maybe they will go down a little if the planes aren't filling. Doubtful though.

For my upcoming trips in October and December I've been able to re-book lower on all four parts of the trip from initial purchase. These are our favorite MHT to MCO nonstops as well. Maybe you'll get lucky and will see some fare decreases. I hope so.

Hey George - actually, I *think* I can bring another adult for the same price (I have to pay full fare for the first 2 in the stateroom), so I'm scanning my list of friends.....

I was afraid you'd say that about the fares! Thanks for chiming in!

 

[spaddy]

You could always book the cruise and keep an eye on the airfares. How was that for enabling?

 

[DVCsince02]

Airfare was a killer for us when we went in June so we decided to drive. It actually wasn't that bad. Have you considered that option?

 

[ragtopday]

Airfare was a killer for us when we went in June so we decided to drive. It actually wasn't that bad. Have you considered that option?

I just Google Mapped it - it's 1334 miles, over 21 hours. And I'm the only driver. I wish we lived closer!!!!

 

[georgemoe]

I just Google Mapped it - it's 1334 miles, over 21 hours. And I'm the only driver. I wish we lived closer!!!!

I'm not much closer at 1,289mi.

 

[DVCsince02]

It's almost 1,000 miles for us from Delaware and was hundreds cheaper even including a hotel night both ways.

 

[DisneyKevin]

I've even looked at flying into just about any other airport in Florida, but the rates are no better (TPA, FLL, MLB, JAX, etc). We usually fly SW non-stop from Manchester, NH to MCO but non-stop routes during this time frame seem to be few and expensive. I especially hate to add a stop in February due to weather concerns.

Jacksonville and Ft Lauderdale are a bit far.

Have you tried departing from Boston? Sometimes a larger hub can make a difference.

Have you signed up for SW's Ding program? If not....I'd try that.

I know this will probably hurt a bit....but have you looked at coming a day or two early or staying a day later? Some times that can help.

You can also check Bing.cim (Bing, Ding......)

These are some of the things I'd try.

 

[stitchlover]

I would keep checking those airfares. I know Bob always said he thought fares were lowered after midnight on Tuesday's. So you might check that out. Good luck! We are going in March 2010 and purchased our airfare back in May because we got what we considered a good deal.

 

[ragtopday]

Jacksonville and Ft Lauderdale are a bit far.

Have you tried departing from Boston? Sometimes a larger hub can make a difference.

Have you signed up for SW's Ding program? If not....I'd try that.

I know this will probably hurt a bit....but have you looked at coming a day or two early or staying a day later? Some times that can help.

You can also check Bing.cim (Bing, Ding......)

These are some of the things I'd try.

Thanks Kevin - I already subscribe to Ding, but the Ding fares are usually 30-45 days out, and I don't want to wait that long. I'd already looked at Boston, but that was no better. HOWEVER, after reading your advice I did decide to look at Providence, RI, and SW has some great fares from there! I got $129 going down and $79 coming home. It's almost a 2 hour drive for us, but it also saves us $300 - worth it I think!

I will keep checking fares - one thing I love about SW is you can change with no penalty!

Thanks to all with the suggestions. Now off to give DU more of my money in the form of a cruise deposit - I must be crazy!

 

[TSWJan78]

I don't think Jet Blues fares are out yet for that time frame... I would say be patient.. they will come down Kristen... if not you can take George or I an we will be your 2nd driver!!

 

[MRS AR]

Does anyone have any hints or tricks?
TIA!

If you have a business you would still have time to rack up credit card miles to pay for your flight. That's the way we always fly. We only live about 10 hours from Disney, but really don't have the time for an extra day to drive both ways. Several of the ff programs with credit card companies are very generous.