DC area to MCO--what price should I hold out for--what airlines?

[lovetoscrap]

Usually we fly out of Norfolk but will be making the trip with Grandma in May and I would like to fly out of the DC area. Norfolk only has 2 flights and the are both at AWFUL times. I can get more flexibility if we leave from her house up north.

But I have no idea what low fare airlines are available from there? I know SW out of BWI--currently has a low fare of $78 but the only times left are just as bad (or worse) than what I can get here! If it can't get a good price and time we will probably have to just stick with things here, but I have a few weeks to check I think.

I do have Ding, but today it is only showing me Norfolk (argh!).

I guess I just need to know what sort of fares are normal for this DC area to MCO and what airlies are available that I should check?

 

[CPer'sMom]

For direct flights out of the DC area we look at USAir out of DCA and UA out of Dulles. Typically the fares are not great, though, and you really do have to look and be flexible. Between the 2 usually United has the *better* fare out of Dulles. Since USAir and UA are partners if you search on the United site for both airlines you'll get to see all available fares. One time I was actually able to purchase tickets for a USAir flight out of DCA on the United site for a much better price than going to the USAir site. Go figure!

Now for prices ... definitely not close to SWA pricing, which is why we'll usually drive the extra hour up to BWI and fly out of there. Booking far enough ahead you should be able to get fares in the $160-$180 range.

Air Tran also flies out of Dulles. Usually cheaper, but I don't like the way you can only pick your seats if you pay a higher fare. At least with SWA, all the seats are the same ~ check in early, get first choice.
You can also find Delta flights, but typically not at a good price.

If only we could get SWA to start flying out of RICHMOND!

 

[smazarluvsdis]

$79 each way. Today I looked and one flight was $54...pretty darn good. As far as choosing your seats, when we check in online 24 hours before, we choose our seats. I prefer Dulles to the other DC/Baltimore airports. I used to be able to get $49 each way on Independence Air but I think those days are long gone.

 

[CPer'sMom]

I prefer Dulles to the other DC/Baltimore airports.

Funny .... Dulles ranks #3 on the list ~ It's such a pain getting to/from the gates.

 

[smazarluvsdis]

I hate the beltways (DC & Baltimore). Where I live now, it is so easy to get to Dulles. (Used to live in Baltimore). It is quite a haul through the airport...of course it wears the kids out so they rest on the plane

 

[TDC Nala]

I have gotten so I like to take SW out of BWI, but I'm in Northern Virginia, so it's a pain in the tush to get there.

Easiest out for me is DCA...but hard to find inexpensive flights.

Just got one of those $54 each way Airtran flights out of Dulles. It's not Independence Air, but not bad.