December Air Fare Questions

[Disney Mama 2 Two]

Okay...I've seen quite a few of you already have your December tickets...I think they are really high right now for my dates...Dec 23 - Jan 3

When do most airlines typically open these dates? Will there be deals closer to the time frame? Having never flown before (as an adult) I'm really out of the loop on this stuff.

I did watch airfare last Christmas and there seemed to be some reasonable rates..who knows if that will hold true for this year.

Thanks for any info or suggestions!
Dawn

 

[Bob P]

Hi Dawn,

Well, this is one of the most heavily traveled periods of the year...in fact, the first and last days of your trip are probably two of the five busiest travel days of the year.

Between the price of oil, the time of year you are going, and the fact that tourism is back with a vengeance, I wouldn't count on the prices going anywhere but up. I hope I'm wrong. You can always gamble and wait for a sale, but you might find there are no seats left.

Bob

 

[MARY-IN-OH]

Hi Dawn! December for us too! Even though it is sort of far away, I hope that the end of year dates open up for AirTran and SW soon, and also that it won't be as bad as we are hearing. I've been checking the AirTran website (not a very friendly website). They show the Nov and Dec calendar, but I can't figure out how to easily see if they have opened their schedule without putting in actual dates.

I love the Waiting for SW thread, everyone there is quick on the keys when new dates open, maybe there will be a discussion like that one for AirTran, and with rates people are seeing for summer/fall/winter. (side note, I read a thread that there are special "thru disney CRO AirTran specials" as well).

In checking these boards in transportation forum, it is looking grim with fuel prices etc.

I am willing to possibly travel from about three or four airports (CLE/CAK/CMH/PIT) and come home from at least two (MCO/RSW)! We're visiting family in ft myers after wdw. Dates are 12/10 (or 9th) - 12/24 (or 23rd). Of course, would prefer CLE, as the airport is about 10 min drive from where we live! I have only flown a couple of times, so I need all the advice and help I can get too!

Maybe this will help us, here is some pixie dust!
-mary

 

[dvc guy]

Count me in as one of those who has airfare for 12/22-1/1. We got 79 each way (LGA/MCO)using AA& DL. I think I got the last of those prices forever. AS posted these a super busy days and you will NOT get any bargains. 1/3 you should see the price down a little from 1st & 2nd. Not sure where you are coming from but if you see anything around the 250-300 R/T grab it. With fuel going sky high even SW is not going to give tickets away over Christmas.
Good news is that Christams at WDW is super, this is our 8th trip in 8 years.

 

[Disney Mama 2 Two]

Really 250-300??? That seems high...we will fly from Michigan, either Detroit (lower fares) or Traverse City...I've also been watching Alligent which would be out of Lansing. I wish dates would open on the rest of the airlines so that I could get a better picture...Alligent is open through Dec 15th and they have $99 each way which I thought was pretty good.....

Anyone know last year when these dates opened?

Thanks!

Dawn

 

[dvc guy]

You cannot campare Dec 15 with Dec 23. It is like comparing a prop plane & a 747. Airfares have been on the upswing for the past 6 months , and Christmas is no time for the carriers to have a fare sale. Domestic capacity is down from last year, less seats= higher prices,
You have picked the busiest travel time of the year, be prepared to pay for your fun.
Good Luck let us know how you do.

 

[MomofCKJ]

I hope you find something that works for you. I got our tickets for Dec 15-22, Boston to Orlando, non stop back in February. I was able to get them at $177 roundtrip and I am so glad I bought when I did.

Allyson

 

[Disney Mama 2 Two]

I did state that this would be first time flying for me (as an adult) but based on some of these responses I must be just out of my mind to try to fly at this time. I know Dec 15th vs. Dec 23 will be different...the point of me saying that was that was one of the closest dates I've seen open up so far on a different airline. I was and have been asking when people have got their fare different years and opinions based on what others have seen or heard...sorry if I've come accross as crazy but that is when we are going and we'll have a great time no matter what the airfare is...if it does get to be too much we can always drive...but I can't see that as cost effective as of late.

Dawn

 

[MARY-IN-OH]

Looks like Air Tran has extended dates up to December 13th

 

[lizziepooh]

Flights out of Traverse City are usually very high. We just paid $352 for October and now they are over $400. Sometimes you can get good deals out of Flint (Air Tran or Northwest) but I don't know about Christmas time.