February Flight advice, from New England

[debster812]

Folks,

I am new to having to travel during School vacation weeks, so I need some advice. DS and I will be going to Ft. Meyers for 3 days, and driving up to Orlando for 4 days in February. I missed out on the cheap cheap tix at the 333 days out window, and instantly watched the Delta (Sony) tickets soar to $520-RT. Well, right now I can book them at a little more than $300 (still more than I want to pay, but MUCH better than $520). So what do you all think, will they come down any more? Should I book now? Wait for AirTran and SWA? Oh the dillemma....

Thanks for any and all input. And, I know that Song has been spotty so far, but I am hoping they are working out all the kinks, and by February, all will be well.

Debbie

 

[GoldenOldie]

I don't think you're going to find real bargain airfares during the February vacation period out of the Northeast.

If I were in your place, I would be more concerned about having non-stop flights during the winter. Weather in many parts of the country at that time of year can play a very big part in making connections even if the weather in New England and Florida seems fine.

 

[JustHolly]

Its hard to say, Deb. There are bound to be more sales by Feb. But this past Feb. Ted and I kept waiting and waiting for ticket prices to go down... they never did, and we ended up paying a small fortune and going out of Logan which we hadn't wanted to do.

Good Luck!
Holly

 

[debster812]

Golden Oldie--you are so right about the connections/stops. My plan was to get as far South as Charlotte before I would connect, figuring I would be safe. I may just bite the bullett, and go for the non-stop at $300. *ouch* I guess I am a bit encouraged, because the Song prices are down almost $100 each way from 2 weeks ago. I may give it til next week, and then just pull the trigger.

Holly--I know what you mean about the small fortune!!!! Esp after flying last January out of PVD on SWA for $150 RT non-stop.

 

[JennSaint]

The last two years there have been sales in July for February. I would give it at least another month before you book. We always go for school vacation week but usually leave on the Wednesday before to get the best fares. We paid 150.00 last year and I'm pretty sure you could get prices around $200-$250 for Saturday to Saturday. I'd say give it until the end of July. But I do check everyday. Also I've checked many Delta flights and almost all of them still have a ton of seats available so I think there will be some sort of sale coming eventually.

 

[GoldenOldie]

Originally posted by debster812
Golden Oldie--you are so right about the connections/stops. My plan was to get as far South as Charlotte before I would connect, figuring I would be safe...

Just so you know:

There is no such thing as a safe connection in winter. Although you may leave sunny New England and land in sunny Charlotte to make your connection, the plane that is supposed to be picking you up for the Orlando leg of your journey may be snowed in at Chicago. Bad winter weather at a major airport anywhere will have a ripple effect at all connecting hubs everywhere in the US.

Non-stops in winter are worth their weight in gold.

 

[debster812]

Golden Oldie--You are SO right. I totally spaced on that part of the equation. That the connecting flight has to actually get the plane to where I need it. So smart. I think I will take JennSaint's advice and stick it out for another month or so, see what happens, and take it from there.

Thanks for the advice everyone.