Expert opinions on Columbus, Ohio to MCO?

[inky dinky doo]

We're flying out of Columbus, Ohio, and our preference is a direct flight that gets us to Orlando early on Oct. 27th and leaves late on Nov. 5th. Right now, there's a good flight available through Delta for $173 round trip.

Do you experts think that Delta flight will go lower once Southwest comes out? Or do you think Southwest will have a flight that matches what we're looking for at a lower price?

Or should I go ahead and buy what Delta's offering now before it sells out or goes back up?

Inky
137 days and counting (again)

 

[TravelSheryl]

Southwest currently only has morning non-stops in each direction. No way to know if they'll add an evening non-stop at this point.

Unless Southwest runs an Internet-only special on that route for your travel dates, I don't think you'll get a better fare for non-stops, as Southwest is currently more than $200 roundtrip for their non-stops.

 

[Kacey]

I'd be inclined to buy at that price. I just got off the phone with my travel agent and bought RT Cols to Orlando for Nov 25-Dec 2 at $211.50, which is the lowest I've seen it recently. Travel agent said there were only 4 seats left at the special price even though the seat chart on their internet site showed many available seats. Not quite sure how all of that works, but we feel like we got a deal anytime the price is under $200. And the Delta express flight is just so convenient. We always depart Cols at 6:30am and return at 8:30 pm and have never had the first problem. I don't think Southwest's flight times are nearly as convenient.

 

[inky dinky doo]

Thank you both! I think we'll go for it. If I remember correctly, we paid $186 for Southwest last December, and the flight times weren't nearly as good.

This felt like a better deal, but I wasn't sure -- I'm not a real experienced flyer. Thanks for making the decision easier.

Inky
137 days and counting (again)

 

[Beverly Lynn]

for both of you as you get closer to the flights dates the price more than likely will be going downa dn you can get the difference back if you are in the restrictions and class of svc that the fare is in......I wish we had SW here out of pittsburgh......

 

[dan and scott]

Columbus is the airport of our choice also! We usually always fly Delta Express do to the great times. We have also flown Southwest once do to a great price but never again-Southwest does not have assigned seating and they load elderly and families with small children first, needless to say there are quite a few families going to Orlando.

I would purchase the Delta tickets and then if the price goes down you can get a voucher (for your next trip).

Dan

 

[inky dinky doo]

Dan,

Since you've flown both airlines . . .

Is there any difference in seating between the two airlines? It's not important, but I just wondered whether all seating is "created equal" or if one airline is more cramped than the other.

Beverly,

I noticed this morning that that particular Delta flight has gone back up to $211.50. Do you really think it will go back down before October? And if so, when?

Thanks!

Inky
136 days and counting (again)

 

[dan and scott]

If I remember correctly the seats on Southwest were larger(maybe just the emergency exit row) but not as much leg room.

I would pay the extra $ for Delta just for the assigned seats.

JMHO

Dan