Flight Prices December/January

[ColinA]

But then the problem was, she couldn't get flights for us all when we wanted, we juggled the dates but were having problem with connecting flights from Dallas to Orlando and then finding one from Orlando to NYC on that same flight deal. We tried 20 million scenarios.

Were the flights booked out on the dates you wanted.

 

[aussietravellers]

Sometimes the stress and cost of the time of trying to get the slightly cheaper prices on some wacky airline is just not worth the effort!

You might not like my solution, leave the kids with the grandmother and you will save a heap of money!

Leaving the kids home for Christmas, can't see that happening

Have just spoken again to the TA, asking her to tweak some things backwards and forwards. The itinerary didn't work very well price wise so it is looking like the original plan was the best option financially.

But then the problem was, she couldn't get flights for us all when we wanted, we juggled the dates but were having problem with connecting flights from Dallas to Orlando and then finding one from Orlando to NYC on that same flight deal. We tried 20 million scenarios. Grrrrrr.

The end result was we will still fly out on the 9th Dec but will leave Orlando on 19th Dec for NYC rather than 20th Dec. Now I know to many this wouldn't seem like a big deal but it means 1 less WDW day which makes me kind of sad . We were having 11 days WDW but obviously since we won't be arriving there until very late the first night it was really only 10 full days, then on to NYC for 9 days which was obviously a very generous stay. Now we will essentially only have 9 days in WDW (and have to deal with jetlag) and 10 days in NYC. I would've preferred to give up an NYC day than a Disney day but we just couldn't get a flight out on the 20th or 21st that would work.

I know I shouldn't complain but it just doesn't seem like enough time at WDW now.

Oh I know how you feel, that is such a shame! So annoying when the flights don't want to co-operate! I wonder if something will become available closer to the date Many airlines in the US, don't release their flights or make tickets available for purchase this far out. Don't know why seems a bit strange to me but they do.

I haven't flown Jet Blue but I did investigate them a lot. I was looking at flying with them for a day trip from NY to Buffalo to Niagara Falls, I like them because they are a peanut free airline and whilst it doesn't normally bother me, in the US, they are so into peanuts and having an airbourne allergy, if we can fly peanut free (to a degree) then we do. And even aside from that Jetblue seems to have a really good name and has great prices

 

[dabecs]

The whole airfares thing feels very unfair to me, paying thousands of dollars to be cramped in a small space for 14 hours eating below par food!

On the other hand you end up in WDW

Our flights with a lot less stops was about $2k per person so I was wondering how yours would look - it still shocks the system though to see a 3 at the front!!

Maybe on your extra NY day take a trip out to the outlet malls? And then you don't have to when you are in Orlando so that would give you an extra day in the parks?

Good luck, wish I was some help but I found the plane tickets the most intimidating (and boring) part of my planning so far!

 

[Beee]

we're paying $8091 for the 3 of us AKL-LAX, LAX-HNL, HNL-AKL. Shame that Air NZ is the only airline that flies direct to and from Hawaii now so no competition at the best of times let alone right before Christmas! It's hawaii that tips the cost over into expensive - almost considered AKL-LAX return and then doing an internal return flight to hawaii but the thought of the extra time in the air is not worth the savings to me.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Sometimes the stress and cost of the time of trying to get the slightly cheaper prices on some wacky airline is just not worth the effort!

You might not like my solution, leave the kids with the grandmother and you will save a heap of money!

You are right about the stress not being worth the savings.

And no, couldn't leave my babies at home. The highlight of the trip is seeing everything through their eyes, but you are so right, the savings would be amazing .

Were the flights booked out on the dates you wanted.

We couldn't get the Orlando to NYC portion to work on the day I wanted which seems whacked in the head to me.

Leaving the kids home for Christmas, can't see that happening

Yep, you totally know I couldn't. For our 10 year wedding anniversary years ago, we decided to go to Hobart for 4 days and leave the kids with the grandparents. I lasted 24 hours before I started sooking and wanted to come home .

Oh I know how you feel, that is such a shame! So annoying when the flights don't want to co-operate! I wonder if something will become available closer to the date Many airlines in the US, don't release their flights or make tickets available for purchase this far out. Don't know why seems a bit strange to me but they do.

That's the thing, do I wait and hope something comes out or do I book with AA now so that we can take advantage of the baggage allowance that the lovely Melbourne5 has pointed out that we should be able to take advantage of. Booking something cheaper with Jet Blue closer to the time is good in some ways but I'm not really sure about what the baggage costs are. I need to go and check that out.

I haven't flown Jet Blue but I did investigate them a lot. I was looking at flying with them for a day trip from NY to Buffalo to Niagara Falls, I like them because they are a peanut free airline and whilst it doesn't normally bother me, in the US, they are so into peanuts and having an airbourne allergy, if we can fly peanut free (to a degree) then we do. And even aside from that Jetblue seems to have a really good name and has great prices

I can see why you would prefer to be with a peanut free airline then. I hadn't noticed that the US was so into peanuts but I'm sure if you have a medical condition that is impacted by it, you notice everything.

The whole airfares thing feels very unfair to me, paying thousands of dollars to be cramped in a small space for 14 hours eating below par food!

On the other hand you end up in WDW

Our flights with a lot less stops was about $2k per person so I was wondering how yours would look - it still shocks the system though to see a 3 at the front!!

Maybe on your extra NY day take a trip out to the outlet malls? And then you don't have to when you are in Orlando so that would give you an extra day in the parks?

Good luck, wish I was some help but I found the plane tickets the most intimidating (and boring) part of my planning so far!

It's looking like just under $2900 per adult, should be slightly less for DS10, not including transport from NYC to Boston by train. So much money, wow.

This is what I've been trying to think about Dabecs, where can I skimp on other activities to give us maximum WDW time. DH doesn't think we need to do WWoHP this time but since we were there at the end of 2010 DS10 has gotten into it (DD14 was always into it) and I think it would be a shame to miss it now that he will love it even more. We wouldn't need a waterpark day in December though so that could go.

We were there for 11 days last time and same thing, got in really late at night but didn't have jetlag to deal with because we were coming from NYC, it was flight delays that got us in so late.

It won't be the food and wine festival this time for us so that is time we will save.

My DH is the shopper in our family and there is ABSOLUTELY no way he will miss the Outlets. He was smitten. I didn't even go at all but he went twice And my DD14 especially has a very long wish list.

I wouldn't be worried about 1 less day except for the fact that we have to factor in jetlag. Bugger bugger bugger.

we're paying $8091 for the 3 of us AKL-LAX, LAX-HNL, HNL-AKL. Shame that Air NZ is the only airline that flies direct to and from Hawaii now so no competition at the best of times let alone right before Christmas! It's hawaii that tips the cost over into expensive - almost considered AKL-LAX return and then doing an internal return flight to hawaii but the thought of the extra time in the air is not worth the savings to me.

Hmmmm, well should I be thinking , rather than ? That does seem alot for 3 with so few legs but it probably is quite a good deal. I think I am just living in a bubble world

 

[aussietravellers]

I can see why you would prefer to be with a peanut free airline then. I hadn't noticed that the US was so into peanuts but I'm sure if you have a medical condition that is impacted by it, you notice everything.

Yes when you can die from the person beside you, or in the row behind you opening a bag of peanuts (even a small bag) and releasing the peanut protein into the air, an airline that doesn't serve peanuts is a bonus . There is also the problem that you get an airline like VAustralia, that will delay a plane by over 20 minutes whilst the captain decides wether he will offload you and your family or not because he doesn't want to take the risk of having someone with a PA on board (as I have experienced)

With AA, it's important that you know what you are entitled to (even take a print out) and stand firm. I had an obnoxious AA check in person at Orlando on our flight from MCO to LAX to catch our QF flight home (no problem from JFK to MCO). Who was not aware of baggage limits, connecting to international flights etc. A supervisor assisted her

So long story short, know what you are entitled to and ask for a supervisor if the check in person is not aware of all the entitlements

It is hard to know what to do. If you are happy with the price, that the TA is quoting you, then go for it I say, then it's all booked and you only have those few internal flights to organise. Or was the TA quoting for all of those too?

 

[battymum]

Shuttergirl,
You are travelling on the 9th, is it not at all possible to go a day or so earlier, as that seems to be the day fares increase?

(guess you probably already thought of that one, but hey just sayin)

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Battymum - the fares seem to go up on the 10th, the 9th is actually cheaper than the 8th. The fares from 10th are 1,000-1500 more .

Crazy stuff.

 

[battymum]

I dont know why I keep reading here, the only time we could possibly travel in the next few years is January - there is no way we could pay those prices - looks like Forster for us!!!

Its crazy isnt it - should be one price all year - first in, best dressed!!

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

I dont know why I keep reading here, the only time we could possibly travel in the next few years is January - there is no way we could pay those prices - looks like Forster for us!!!

Its crazy isnt it - should be one price all year - first in, best dressed!!

It is kinda crazy. With that said, I don't change my "business prices" dependant on time of year but I totally should. October and November are my busiest times and I wish I could charge lots more. I have in the past charged a set fee for the last 2 weeks of November, to make it worth my while but otherwise it's the same as the rest of the year.

It's human nature to want to charge more for the more in demand times. I don't mind that, but I don't want to see a 3 at the front .

Actually, if I'm honest, I hate seeing a 2 at the front

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Have found better suiting flights and prices online with Qantas tonight so have forwarded to my FC TA and if she can match or better and get us on those flights will go with her.

I haven't booked international flights online before, have always gone with my TA. Is there anything I should know beforehand in case it comes to that????

 

[Melbourne5]

Ms shutter girl

If you do book online make sure you take into account credit card surcharges ( I think Qantas will sting you $30 a person) vs what your agent might charge ( some will charge the $30 per person plus plus plus- some may not)

I have booked our last 4 overseas trips direct ( 3 with Qantas , 1 with air Vanuatu ) and never looked back from ditching the agents who always knew less than me

If you do go Qantas, you may even be in the upgrade bingo game as your DH is a gold flyer! it worked for me 2 from 3 years to the USA with Qantas.

 

[DisneyGirlInOz]

Have found better suiting flights and prices online with Qantas tonight so have forwarded to my FC TA and if she can match or better and get us on those flights will go with her.

I haven't booked international flights online before, have always gone with my TA. Is there anything I should know beforehand in case it comes to that????

We booked our 7 week trip to the US last year all online with Qantas (With the exception of 2 internal flights) and everything went smoothly. It may sound surprising but if we called with questions they were very helpful and when we had to cut the trip short by 4 days and change flights, they were very helpful.

I know it sounds shocking that Qantas would be helpful but all went well. We had no problems with AA on the internal flights (booked on the same international ticket with Qantas). You will get an email with flight details etc.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Ms shutter girl

If you do book online make sure you take into account credit card surcharges ( I think Qantas will sting you $30 a person) vs what your agent might charge ( some will charge the $30 per person plus plus plus- some may not)

I have booked our last 4 overseas trips direct ( 3 with Qantas , 1 with air Vanuatu ) and never looked back from ditching the agents who always knew less than me

If you do go Qantas, you may even be in the upgrade bingo game as your DH is a gold flyer! it worked for me 2 from 3 years to the USA with Qantas.

My TA charges 1.9% for any credit card purchases.

Good to know that you have booked online and it's been fine. And it would be a total dream if there was any kind of upgrade. Can you still be upgraded if you book through a TA I wonder? If an upgrade is offered, do they upgrade you when you check in on the day or do they email you prior? I won't get my hopes up but it would be a lovely bonus.

Next question, which is credit card related. We only have a $7500 limit on our credit card. Are we able to load it up with additional funds over the limit so we can purchase $8.5k's worth of flights on it or do I have a major problem on my hands? We haven't needed more credit than that as a rule and always pay it off to zero each week so haven't thought we would need a higher limit.

We booked our 7 week trip to the US last year all online with Qantas (With the exception of 2 internal flights) and everything went smoothly. It may sound surprising but if we called with questions they were very helpful and when we had to cut the trip short by 4 days and change flights, they were very helpful.

I know it sounds shocking that Qantas would be helpful but all went well. We had no problems with AA on the internal flights (booked on the same international ticket with Qantas). You will get an email with flight details etc.

That is very reassuring, if need to do it then I will feel more confident now. Good to hear the staff were helpful.

 

[Melbourne5]

My TA charges 1.9% for any credit card purchases.

Good to know that you have booked online and it's been fine. And it would be a total dream if there was any kind of upgrade. Can you still be upgraded if you book through a TA I wonder? If an upgrade is offered, do they upgrade you when you check in on the day or do they email you prior? I won't get my hopes up but it would be a lovely bonus.

Next question, which is credit card related. We only have a $7500 limit on our credit card. Are we able to load it up with additional funds over the limit so we can purchase $8.5k's worth of flights on it or do I have a major problem on my hands? We haven't needed more credit than that as a rule and always pay it off to zero each week so haven't thought we would need a higher limit.



That is very reassuring, if need to do it then I will feel more confident now. Good to hear the staff were helpful.

Looks like the credit card fee would Be about the same ie: ta would be $160 on 1.9%, Qantas $30 per person.

Your best chance for an upgrade would be at the checkin or the gate. There is a bit of science that goes with the process. Airlines do overbook and if for example economy is full it will start going through its list of elite flyers (at Qantas this would be chairmans lounge, plat,gold,silver, bronze) . Upgrades may be into premium economy or business. Often at the gate upgrades occur because someone has asked for a bassinet seat, families wanting to sit together at haven't been etc. I have two favorite methods when with the family. They at;
1. Ensure everyone is enrolled as a Qantas freq flyer. It's free if you go to woolworths/ Safeway and join everyday rewards and in turn join the qff program. Yes even the kids. In turn the indirect benefit is that if Qantas are looking for upgrades they will take loyal customers before unknowns! Second our 5 combined points for the last trip will pay for our flights from Melbourne to Newcastle at Xmas !
2. Try and allocate yourself into bassinet rows of the economy section. ( even if you don't have a baby). If someone needs it they may move you. I did this 3 yrs running and twice we got upgraded. I did go for a wander on Both our upgrades and look to see who got our old seats and , you guessed it, they were families with infants. Remember it's easier to move you than infants as there are only so many bassinet seats. As your dh is gold you should be able to preselect your seats after purchase.

With your credit card limit my suggestion would be call your bankmetc explain , ask for a temporary increase and state exactly who it's for and when it's going to happen etc. you may get lucky. Normally the banks fall over themselves to giv you more but times are tight at present so maybe not!

 

[ColinA]

It is kinda crazy. With that said, I don't change my "business prices" dependant on time of year but I totally should. October and November are my busiest times and I wish I could charge lots more. I have in the past charged a set fee for the last 2 weeks of November, to make it worth my while but otherwise it's the same as the rest of the year.

It's human nature to want to charge more for the more in demand times. I don't mind that, but I don't want to see a 3 at the front .

Actually, if I'm honest, I hate seeing a 2 at the front

I would be happy if our ticket cost had a 3 in front!

We always book our tickets online, do not like the idea of a travel agent taking over our booking!

 

[Beee]

Hmmmm, well should I be thinking , rather than ? That does seem alot for 3 with so few legs but it probably is quite a good deal. I think I am just living in a bubble world

yeah i was pretty horrified, out of interest I plugged in my ideal next trip AKL-LAX, LAX-MCO, MCO-DCA, NY-LAX, LAX-AKL for July dates and I think the total was only $100 more than the LA/Hawaii trip

I have never booked through a travel agent - admittedly previously its just been domestic trips and to Aus with domestic connections at that end. But we're booking this trip online directly with AirNZ and don't see it as being a problem - have always found both AirNZ and Qantas very helpful when I've had to call. Re both the credit card charges and the credit card limit - with AirNZ you can pay for the trip with internet banking to both avoid the CC charges and any worries about limits, maybe check whether you can do the same for Qantas. My mum is paying for ours and we're paying her back in a few months in case prices go up between now and then bless her. We're sending DD12 to Noumea for a school exchange in July that we committed to before finding out about Hawaii so it will be a tight couple of months while we pay for both that and flights/deposits etc

 

[aussietravellers]

OK, maybe Jetblue isn't such a good idea afterall

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejYsGudfawQ

 

[becpee]

OK, maybe Jetblue isn't such a good idea afterall

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejYsGudfawQ

Scary huh

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Looks like the credit card fee would Be about the same ie: ta would be $160 on 1.9%, Qantas $30 per person.

Your best chance for an upgrade would be at the checkin or the gate. There is a bit of science that goes with the process. Airlines do overbook and if for example economy is full it will start going through its list of elite flyers (at Qantas this would be chairmans lounge, plat,gold,silver, bronze) . Upgrades may be into premium economy or business. Often at the gate upgrades occur because someone has asked for a bassinet seat, families wanting to sit together at haven't been etc. I have two favorite methods when with the family. They at;
1. Ensure everyone is enrolled as a Qantas freq flyer. It's free if you go to woolworths/ Safeway and join everyday rewards and in turn join the qff program. Yes even the kids. In turn the indirect benefit is that if Qantas are looking for upgrades they will take loyal customers before unknowns! Second our 5 combined points for the last trip will pay for our flights from Melbourne to Newcastle at Xmas !
2. Try and allocate yourself into bassinet rows of the economy section. ( even if you don't have a baby). If someone needs it they may move you. I did this 3 yrs running and twice we got upgraded. I did go for a wander on Both our upgrades and look to see who got our old seats and , you guessed it, they were families with infants. Remember it's easier to move you than infants as there are only so many bassinet seats. As your dh is gold you should be able to preselect your seats after purchase.

With your credit card limit my suggestion would be call your bankmetc explain , ask for a temporary increase and state exactly who it's for and when it's going to happen etc. you may get lucky. Normally the banks fall over themselves to giv you more but times are tight at present so maybe not!

Thanks for all of those wonderful tips for possible upgrades. With the bassinet aisle, does that go across the whole plane? It would kind of be a bummer if they didn't swap you out of them and you had babies on either side of you crying the whole way. I work with babies for a living, I don't want to be with them on a plane .

The credit card thing - rang up, god I hate ringing banks. So frustrating. I'm the secondary card holder so couldn't do anything and my DH would rather poke his eyeballs out than call a bank. Sigh.

I would be happy if our ticket cost had a 3 in front!

We always book our tickets online, do not like the idea of a travel agent taking over our booking!

I think I may give online booking a try from now on.

yeah i was pretty horrified, out of interest I plugged in my ideal next trip AKL-LAX, LAX-MCO, MCO-DCA, NY-LAX, LAX-AKL for July dates and I think the total was only $100 more than the LA/Hawaii trip

I have never booked through a travel agent - admittedly previously its just been domestic trips and to Aus with domestic connections at that end. But we're booking this trip online directly with AirNZ and don't see it as being a problem - have always found both AirNZ and Qantas very helpful when I've had to call. Re both the credit card charges and the credit card limit - with AirNZ you can pay for the trip with internet banking to both avoid the CC charges and any worries about limits, maybe check whether you can do the same for Qantas. My mum is paying for ours and we're paying her back in a few months in case prices go up between now and then bless her. We're sending DD12 to Noumea for a school exchange in July that we committed to before finding out about Hawaii so it will be a tight couple of months while we pay for both that and flights/deposits etc

Good to know that you have had great success with online booking also.

OK, maybe Jetblue isn't such a good idea afterall

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejYsGudfawQ