Cheap airfare/last minute deals ?

[disneysteve]

Ok, here's the scoop. This is the first year in a long time that we are only going to WDW once - in November for Jersey Week. The reason for this is that our daughter is now in 2nd grade and we don't like pulling her out of school for vacations. We usually go for a week and drive down to Florida. We're starting to entertain the idea of taking a short trip (like over a long weekend, or just missing one day of school) at some other time of year. This is not something we would have to plan very far in advance.

The sticking point is the cost of airfare. Are there any good sites/sources to get inexpensive last minute deals? I know that the airlines, like USAir, have e-mail notification for specials and I can sign up for those. But how about other discounters, consolidators, etc. that are worth checking out? If we could book within 2-4 weeks of departure and get a really good rate, it might be worth taking the trip this way. We can always get a cheap hotel room and if we have AP's then park admission would be paid for already.

Steve

 

[mad4themouse]

SideStep is a great tool for researching and booking airfares. You have to download the toolbar to your hard drive but it doesn't have to be running all the time. It will even search smaller, nearby airports for lower fares. You can download the toobar at SideStep.com

 

[lawgs]

when is jersey week in november....maybe that explains why the air fares to florida are higher now than they have been in a while on southwest...

 

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by lawgs
when is jersey week in november....maybe that explains why the air fares to florida are higher now than they have been in a while on southwest...

Jersey Week is the first week of the month - so anytime from the 1st thru 9th could be involved. Most schools are closed on the 6th and 7th, some also on the 5th. Many people take the whole week off since the kids only miss 2-3 days. Some just go Wed. to Sun.

Steve

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by disneysteve
Ok, here's the scoop. This is the first year in a long time that we are only going to WDW once - in November for Jersey Week. The reason for this is that our daughter is now in 2nd grade and we don't like pulling her out of school for vacations. We usually go for a week and drive down to Florida. We're starting to entertain the idea of taking a short trip (like over a long weekend, or just missing one day of school) at some other time of year. This is not something we would have to plan very far in advance.

The sticking point is the cost of airfare. Are there any good sites/sources to get inexpensive last minute deals? I know that the airlines, like USAir, have e-mail notification for specials and I can sign up for those. But how about other discounters, consolidators, etc. that are worth checking out? If we could book within 2-4 weeks of departure and get a really good rate, it might be worth taking the trip this way. We can always get a cheap hotel room and if we have AP's then park admission would be paid for already.

Steve

2-4 weeks is not last minute and falls within the 14-21 day advance purchase area. So, there is a chance you could get a decent airfare.

 

[lawgs]

thanks disney steve that probably explains the consistency in air prices for that week when other weeks seem to be cheaper....

will have to remember next year to make sure i take this week into account

 

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by lawgs
thanks disney steve that probably explains the consistency in air prices for that week when other weeks seem to be cheaper....

Seems odd that it would affect rates outside of the NY and Philly areas since those are the only airports that would be involved.

Steve