February/President's Day Airfare from Philly

[TZMOM]

I'm thinking about taking my son to Tampa Skatepark for his 16th b'day (which isn't till next Feb.) I just looked at flights from Philly to Tampa leaving the Thursday before President's day and coming back either Sunday or Monday of that weeked. The fares are unbelievable!!! Is it because it's a bit late to be booking for that weekend?

If I decide that's what we'll be doing for the "big 16", should I probably start looking in summer 2005 for flights in February 2006?

Thanks for any help you can lend
Jane

 

[beccasmom]

I think it may be a combination of being a little late making your reservation, some schools have early Spring Breaks and President's Day is a federal holiday and they seem to be a busy time at Disney. Those of us in the north may just want a quick (hopefully sunny and warm) getaway. My guess is that many Florida residents make it a long weekend too (although they would probably travel by car). We were there on MLK weekend one January (for my birthday) and things were crowded indeed. It was a while back, though and I don't remember our airfare, although I know we flew on USAirways. I'm guessing you already looked for the fare on Southwest?

 

[TZMOM]

Thanks -

I haven't booked anything - just looking ahead for next year. I was wondering when to book tix for a President's trip to Tampa. Thanks again for your response!!
Jane

 

[jeff968]

Yes, it is crazy this year. I have three kids and a wife who is a teacher so we always have to travel on that specific week. I start shopping for flights in May and found them to be high right from the start. I had to broaden my search to other airports. Finally, in September, I spotted non-stops to Tampa from NYC (LGA) for $179. I grabbed them right away. I haven't seen anything cheaper since. Good luck.

 

[minniestheone]

I am from New Orleans and you might want to check and see if Mardi Gras for that year is close to President's Day. If it is within the week of each other it will be pretty busy! One year it was president's day on Monday, Mardi Gras Tuesday and the week of the Daytona race-the crowds were worse than the summer!! Anyway, all of that seems to affect the price of airfare into Orlando. Book early with Southwest then they will credit you if the prices go down. We go just about every year at Mardi Gras and always book early for best prices-they usually open their flight schedule in August.

 

[CMShauna]

Check out Airtran at www.airtran.com.

Based on what is available now for Feb 2005, you should be able to put together your flights for between $100-$175 round trip.

Of course there is no way of knowing what the costs/availability will be a year from now for Feb 2006.

 

[jeff968]

Check out Airtran at www.airtran.com.

Based on what is available now for Feb 2005, you should be able to put together your flights for between $100-$175 round trip.

Of course there is no way of knowing what the costs/availability will be a year from now for Feb 2006.

Over $500 per ticket for President's week (leave the 18th, return the 27th) out of NYC. Everyone travels on those days.

 

[Rpsemont]

I fly from BDL and watch this week religiouly, because we have gone during this time period the last few years. Even when SWA first released this time period, the Sat, Sun of this weekend to go to MCO was full fare for all flights. We are flying down on Monday 2/21 and returning 3/1 which is what I had to do to get an fairly economical fare (under $200) I don't know if you have that whole week off or not, but if you don't, to get a discount fare, I would fly down the Wed before and return on Sun Pres. weekend. You could actually book that right now at SWA Phila-MCO for $156.80 leaving ealy Wed and returning early Sun.

 

[Rpsemont]

My guess is the same probably holds somewhat true

 

[TSirgey]

We went Pres. week this year and went from Sun-Sun because the flights were cheaper. We just kept experimenting with different day combinations until we found the best flight.

 

[jeff968]

I fly from BDL and watch this week religiouly, because we have gone during this time period the last few years. Even when SWA first released this time period, the Sat, Sun of this weekend to go to MCO was full fare for all flights. We are flying down on Monday 2/21 and returning 3/1 which is what I had to do to get an fairly economical fare (under $200) I don't know if you have that whole week off or not, but if you don't, to get a discount fare, I would fly down the Wed before and return on Sun Pres. weekend. You could actually book that right now at SWA Phila-MCO for $156.80 leaving ealy Wed and returning early Sun.

The older my kids get the harder it is for them to miss any school. There is always some test or project due the Thursday before the week and they start right back on things on Monday. Combine that with the fact that my wife is a teacher and I'm stuck with leaving Friday (because this is a half-day) and coming back no later then Sunday. It is a pain as I could go anytime.

As for Bradley, i would love to fly out of there. My sister lifes in Glastonbury which is only a few minutes away. But no matter how far in advance I look, I can never find good fares out of Bradley. And on top of that, the flights are often connecting (which we'll never do again after being trapped in Memphis one year). So, NYC is our spot. Usually $100 cheaper per ticket.