Cheap airline quest. - experts please help

[Scot-n-Michelle]

hello everyone - i need some help from those of you that booked VERY cheap tickets to fly - i have lots of questions and need some help from you thrifty bargain hunters. we just returned from our trip last sunday - already planning our next one. this next trip (which won't be for another year) we plan to stay on site w/dining plan (both previous times offsite). we live in Cleveland Ohio and have drove both times. last year we did it almost straight thur but this year my husband (sorry love saying this as we were married at the courthouse on vacation) drove the whole way and we stopped for the night. i understand that it will cost more to fly - but would love to find it for as cheap as possible.

- how far in advance are you booking these cheap flights
- are you using a TA, website, calling???
- it is better to wait till the last minute to try to find one???

i just love the idea of getting on a plane (even though it scares me to fly) and being at DW all in the same day. the drive home this past trip never seemed to end. i know i have more questions but right now with my kids yelling my mind is going blank!! Thanks in advance to anyone that can help me.

 

[MissMichelle]

Well you won't be able to book for awhile still..Depending on when you are going next year is going to depend on the best rates. If you are going during a slower time flights will be cheaper (such as hurricane season). I have found that booking 6 months in advance (as I do every trip) I usually get $79 each way on Jetblue. That isn't the case for this coming trip as I just booked flights today (5 months out) and Jetblue fares already shot a bit so I went Delta for $197 per person round trip.

Check sites such as (start with direct sites) Airtran.com Southwest.com Jetblue.com and Delta.com

From there I always fare compare with www.sidestep.com and www.kayak.com there is also www.bookingbuddy.com which lists all the discounted sites.

Good luck! Just keep on these boards as time draws closer and you'll get tons of help!!

 

[clownchk]

I do it myself by periodically checking some sites.

I find it cheaper (usually) to book direct with the airlines as opposed to using a place like expedia, priceline, etc. USUALLY, but not always.

I book a fare when I think it is a good deal. (Less than $100 PP each way) BUT I continue to watch that Airlines prices since most will offer a voucher for the difference in airfare if you find a cheaper fare.

I book our August Airfare last week. I got DIRECT flights for $89 PP each way. I will leave my HOUSE at 6AM and can feasibly be ON PROPERTY by 11 AM!! Very cool!

If I do not get a cheaper flight, I really do not care. I think I did pretty good!

If I can get a discount, EVEN BETTER! I know this will not be our last trip, so I can apply the savings for our next trip!

GOod Luck on your quest!!

(BTW I was not a savvy last year and the $$ we saved this year on airfare alone has saved us enough to pretty much negate the increase of having to book a moderate AND pay for DDP out of pocket!)

OOOH EDited to add: Check a few dates before and after the dates you want. You may be surprised at the savings (Or increases) in flights!!!

 

[Scot-n-Michelle]

thanks you guys - went in and did some checking for an estimate of oct. of this year was shocked at the $69.00 pp each way - almost what we paid in gas, motels and food. that would leave us with so much more DISNEY time

 

[kacaju]

Start looking now at fares, this way you will see how they bounce up and down. You will then get a good idea on what is cheap for your area and what is not.
When you are ready to book your flight, be sure you know when you want to go as the OP said, if you can be flexible all the better. Be sure hubby is on board with the trip dates so if you catch a good deal you don't have to wait to ask him if these dates are good.

For example for our trip in Aug. (I booked in March) I was finding flights out of Newark NJ for anywhere from $200 and up, one night I happen to go on and found a Wed-Wed flight for ($118 no tax), $137.30 with tax!! The Friday to Friday tickets was $303 without tax.
The biggest advice I have is know what *normal* fares are so you will know the good deal when you see it!