Chicago, Best (Cheapest) Flight

[Disney Anna]

I'm looking for the cheapest flight for my sister and her 2 kids. So far, I have Southwest Airlines for $175.20. Dates of travel are May 19-May 25.

I seem to remember getting a better rate in the past? Any thoughts?

 

[Lewisc]

Deeply discounted airfares are not as available as they were a few years ago. Any fare under $200R/T is good. I't much more likely the fare will go up than down.

I'd book it now. SW will give you a credit if the fare on your flight goes down.

 

[Disney Anna]

I think I will take your advice and book.

BTW, my flight from San Diego to Orlando was $222.90, round trip.

 

[EdDome]

The rate looks good. If I could lock in an August flight at that rate I'd take it. As mentioned, the really deep discounts have gone away.

 

[inkkognito]

I would check ATA, as they always seem to be cheaper for the dates I fly than Southwest. But your SW deal sounds good...ATA is generally only a few dollars cheaper than that when they have a sale. We just like them best because of their frequent flyer program.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[westjones]

We like ATA also (but we are out of Indianapolis, not Chicago). They are usually around the same as Southwest, but they let you pick your seat (so families can sit together). Southwest makes me nervous because I know my kids (age 10, twins) would not be comfortable sitting with people they didn't know. So that is why we don't fly Southwest.

ATA has had a good schedule for us too, it works well for us going to Orlando.

DJ

 

[Beast2Prince]

I just entered those dates into ATA.com and got a rate of $159.20. This will save them around $15 per ticket and allow them to choose their seats. If you haven't already booked with Southwest, you may want to look into ATA.

 

[inkkognito]

Wow, that's a great ATA fare!
I would have to say ditto...book it if you haven't already done Southwest. ATA's pre-assigned seats are a big plus for me. My husband and I don't have kids, so even if we were in the first group on SW, the pre-boarders to Orlando would probably take up half the plane from what we've observed.
ATA's planes are really nice too...some 737-800s, but mostly 757-300s with entertainment and leather seats with hedrests. We've had really good on-time luck with them, too, although lately we've had a run of weather related delays.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[westjones]

Barb,
Since you fly ATA a lot, can you tell me when you think the 'Fall Sales' will come out. We are going on the Disney Cruise in September and last year we were able to get $59 each way in September on ATA (from Indianapolis to Orlando and back).

I was thinking it was in April I saw those prices. Do you know when they might come out?

Thanks!
DJ

 

[Skewter04]

Anna, did you check Airtran or Spirit Airlines? Airtran flies out of Midway Airport, Spirit flies out of O'Hare Airport.

Scott

 

[inkkognito]

They seem to be pretty stingy with their sales lately...the ones I've seen recently are only going through the end of May. We've bought our tickets through Memorial Day weekend so far, but the fall fares are still way up there.
You may want to go to their website and sign up for their email alerts. They won't spam you; they just send you a weekly email and notifications of special sales, including some good one-day sales that I haven't seen advertised.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[westjones]

Barb, thanks for the suggestion. I just signed up! We have about 11-16 people going on this cruise and we are all waiting to see what ATA puts out for their fall specials.

DJ

 

[Iheoma]

Hi,

I would follow the suggestions to look at ATA for a slightly lower fare. ATA was about $13 cheaper per ticket than Soutwest. The problem was that the cheaper flights left in the mid-evening (7ish) and late evening (9:30). I prefer Southwest because I have lots of experience with them and love the fact that they are very punctual(sp?). I would be surprised if the fares went down lower than they are now for May. Keep looking though, they may come out with cheaper rates.

 

[Dona Gill]

We booked Spirit out of O'Hare and returning from Fort Myers for Tues.-Wed. end of March for $148.00 each. We found leaving on the Tues. gave us the best price! We booked 1-20-04. I'm feeling pretty lucky right now for getting that price. Good Luck!
PS Booked directly from Spirit.

 

[Rjack122]

I booked with Spirit Airlines for the dates of May 22 to May 30. Going from Chicago O'Hare to Orlando for $158 with tax per person. I think they also have the option to pick your seats online.