Does anyone have any ideas on how to save

[califred]

on airline tickets for a famliy that lives in Hawaii..

They adn we really want them to join us in March but the flight prices are outrageous, I've checked all my regular sites, but though maybe someone had secrets I don't

thanks!

 

[ducklite]

I'd look at possibly changing the dates to try to get better airfare. March is a peak travel month with Easter and spring breaks.

Also look at different days and routes. If they are willing to take an extra layover or plane change they might be able to find something cheaper.

Anne

 

[califred]

thanks for the tips but there are 18 of us going and this is the only time we can all go..

but I just started searching for them to fly to our house and drive with us which would save thema bit.

 

[PugLover]

Finding reasonable airfare for a party of 18 might be best left to a travel agent. Often they can get group rates/discounts that are not available to the general public. Your best bet may be to contact a few different travel agents and get a quote for a group discount. Another possibility is contacting the airlines yourselves and asking for group rates. My family had success doing this on NorthWest when a group of 40 flew from Baton Rouge to NY for my wedding.

My sister had her wedding in the Bahamas last summer and there were a group of us flying from NY. Originally we were just going to book our resort via the agent, we thought we could do better using the Internet to find good rates for the air portion. A huge awakening as the best rate we could find was around 600.00. Our travel agent got us each a rate of 233.00 with a group discount and travel agent only code.

If you dont want to take that route you may want to check out the 2003 Entertainment Book. United Airlines offers coupons/codes for 15% off each ticket over 200.00 (group travel allowed).

Let us know how you do, we often have a large amount of family that travels together and we are always looking for ways to get a great fare!

 

[califred]

oh Im sorry 18 of us are going to Disney World but only 4 are coming from hawaii, we are drivinmg from nc, two families are coming from seattle and one from texas

Thanks for the tips!!!!

 

[PugLover]

Originally posted by califred
oh Im sorry 18 of us are going to Disney World but only 4 are coming from hawaii, we are drivinmg from nc, two families are coming from seattle and one from texas

Thanks for the tips!!!!

***********************************************

Oh, pardon me... I thought you needed airfare for 18!

My best suggestion would be for your Hawaii family is to keep checking the Internet for fares. Have they considered breaking up their trip in two legs (perhaps getting a better deal money wise). For example purchasing a ticket on a smaller carrier from Hawaii to LA then another ticket out of LAX to MCO? I really dont know if that is even viable, just an idea.

 

[CarolA]

If they don't fly a lot and don't care about frequent flyer miles try Priceline.

option two. Buy a ticket from Hawaii to the west coast. I understand they can be MUCH cheaper. Then look into a second ticket on someone like SW to Orlando. Make sure they have LOTS of layover time if you do this one.

 

[califred]

I've been looking at flyhing to LAX or SEATAC but it'll be more even using sw or ata as the second carrier.. at least we have awhile.

thanks !!

 

[PugLover]

Remember to always check/book airfare on Wed, it is the day the cheapest fares are released. Never buy airfare on a weekend, it is always the highest price of the week!

 

[Local_Girl]

califred--

I'm originally from Hawaii and here's my thought---lots of people in Hawaii vacation in Las Vegas and to my knowledge there are often great deals on flights from Hawaii to Vegas. You might check into using Vegas as a mid point...I really have no idea if this would be cheaper overall, but you could check it out.

 

[alexcturner]

you might also try hotwire. Then based on the price given to you (by hotwire) use that as a basis for your offer on priceline. (this is after you have exhausted all other searches to find the best price). With this knowledge you can now make a good offer on priceline (40% less or whatever you determine is a reasonable offer). I searched the biddingfortravel.com info and could not find anyone who had posted a bid from Hawaii to here. Another suggestion would be to have your friends ck with a travel agent there who might have lots of clients they book from Hawaii. They sometimes have arrangements with a consolidator ( or other inside deals.) Good Luck!