December Fares

[johnnyr]

I'm trying to plan the week between Christmas and New Years. When do the airlines release their schedules for that time? I've done a few non-stop fare searches and they are over $450 a ticket from PHL to MCO

 

[janets]

while some, like Southwest, don't come until later on this year. However, I've priced that week out to the West Coast and the prices are really high, so I wouldn't get my hopes up too high for a really terrific fare. It is a holiday week and many of the airlines won't drop the prices.

Just keep looking. I'm sure someone else will post with more answers. Where in NJ are you? Can you fly out of Philly, AC or the NY airports or are you stuck w/ Newark?

 

[PURTYPAT1]

Isn't It Usually, One Year & One Month??

Not Quite Sure But, Would Love To Know

 

[dvc guy]

You may have picked the worst week of the year to look for bargain fares.
Major carriers put there seats on sale in Jan . I have already booked my Christmas week seats Lga/MCO 59 on SONG. I bought that seat at the 331 day mark. I seats are now 299. Your best bet will be SW for PHL. Keep a close eye on the calander and buy seat as soon as they are available. Non stop anything under 139 each way is a good price. Prices only go up over that week not down

 

[MDM]

For times of the year like Christmas, Thanksgiving New Year's you have to check the airline sites 331 days out. We booked Spirit out of LGA for $54.00 each way, with taxes etc., it came to $124.00 per ticket for the round trip . Two days later the prices went sky high. They are over $643.00 round trip per ticket.


MDM

 

[johnnyr]

Thanks for the replies. We have gone in the past during this week and never had a problem with airfares this high. I'll keep looking. Hopefully something will give. I understand oil prices are high and the airlines are in financial trouble, but this is rediculous!

One thing is certain. There is no way I'm paying these prices. I would be disppointed, but would cancel our trip for the four of us before spending $2000 for fare that is only worth $800. I hope something turns up.

 

[shelly3girls]

I would not give up hope yet. Just last week United had a sale on Travelocity for $120 round trip from Philly leaving 12/23 and returning 1/4. We did not buy b/c we were not happy with the return flight and decided to wait for SW. Their current price is $211 round trip, not too bad. From what I see you can only get this price on Travelocity.

 

[johnnyr]

I would not give up hope yet. Just last week United had a sale on Travelocity for $120 round trip from Philly leaving 12/23 and returning 1/4. We did not buy b/c we were not happy with the return flight and decided to wait for SW. Their current price is $211 round trip, not too bad. From what I see you can only get this price on Travelocity.

Thanks for the words of encouragement, shelly3girls. We have to leave 12/26 (or late 12/25) out of Philly. Don't have a choice with dates because of work schedules. We always take a non-stop flight to MCO. I did find Delta with a layover in Atlanta for $255. Spirit non-stop ACY to MCO is $458 right now. We want a non-stop flight, but not willing to pay these prices. With the layover in Atlanta, the trip would be close to 6 hours if everything is ontime. I never chance a multi-leg flight that time of year as everything is usually booked or overbooked. I'll keep searching...and searching...and searching....

 

[PURTYPAT1]

For times of the year like Christmas, Thanksgiving New Year's you have to check the airline sites 331 days out. We booked Spirit out of LGA for $54.00 each way, with taxes etc., it came to $124.00 per ticket for the round trip . Two days later the prices went sky high. They are over $643.00 round trip per ticket.


MDM

WOW $124.OO ROUND TRIP AT THANKSGIVING IS UNBELIEVEABLE.

MY FAMILY(17) IS GOING ON A DISNEY CRUISE NEXT THANKSGIVING, WE ARE LEAVING NEXT 11-19-06.

YOUR ADVICE IS TO BOOK 331 DAYS FROM 11-19-05?

THANKS

PATRICIA

 

[shelly3girls]

Spirit is outrageous for our dates, they are by far the most expensive. In my experience they often drop in price when it gets closer, but I don't know if this will hold true during the holidays. If you are flying out 12/25 and returning 1/1 the cheapest Travelocity has is $287/person. I plan to wait for SW and take my chances.

 

[Kaitysmom]

Do you have Jet Blue? I already purchased mine from Boston $195 RT to MCO. Not great, but not bad for a NS flight.

 

[shelly3girls]

Philly does not have JetBlue yet but there have been rumors that they may be coming soon.

 

[johnnyr]

I plan to wait for SW and take my chances.

SW currently has fares up to September. Which month would they relase fares for December?

 

[shelly3girls]

I have heard anywhere from June through July. I just plan to keep checking. I have also been keeping an eye out for Airtran who is currently booking through mid-Dec. although their flight times are not as good for us.

 

[Wendaeh]

My brother just flew USA 3000 from philly to Tampa. I checked into them for early Dec. flights, and they are $59 each way non-stop. I don't know much about them, however, so I'm still researching before I buy.

Good luck!
Wendy

 

[johnnyr]

Thanks. I forgot they even flew out of Philly. I just checked, but their fares are only up to December 18th. $59 each way. I wish I could go then, but can't. What a great price! I'll keep checking their site. Thanks again!