Flying Down in December '06

[BamaBaloo]

We are flying down in December of this year. When should I really start paying attention and trying to book the cheapest airfare? We are really only looking at Delta, as they have perfect times for us (i.e. arriving MCO at 10:00 am and leaving MCO at 5:00 pm).

 

[lpbm4]

We'll be flying Southwest and it seems like they don't book until about 5mos out. Plus I'll be in search of a "Ding" special so I hope to hold out for a fairly cheap flight from Chicago.

 

[DemoBri1]

We usually end up coming down in the November/December time frame, and I usually end up getting tickets around June/July timeframe. You're not really affected by this since it sounds like you're set on Delta, but some of the discount carriers (i.e. SW, AirTran, etc.) don't put their schedules out until sometime in Sept/Oct for those dates.

 

[goofy4tink]

I have booked my mid-Oct trip already.Went with Delta/Song. I'm watching for the early Dec fares to come out on JetBlue also. I can book Delta/Song now, but I'm hoping for a decent fare with JB.

 

[BamaBaloo]

I really do love the times for the Delta flights, but I will definitely check out other carriers if Delta either changes those times, or another carrier has similar times scheduled.

 

[dsneygirl]

We flew SW last Dec and I think booked in Sept or Oct.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

We are also going that time and I have been watching airfare every day since the 331 day window. 2 days ago I had a 8 hour window to book at $201 pp from O'Hare nonstop on American and DH wanted to talk it over with the other members of our party. Needless to say we missed the window and I am hunting again. Don't worry- it's out there and we'll find it!! Good luck!

 

[lpbm4]

We are also going that time and I have been watching airfare every day since the 331 day window. 2 days ago I had a 8 hour window to book at $201 pp from O'Hare nonstop on American and DH wanted to talk it over with the other members of our party. Needless to say we missed the window and I am hunting again. Don't worry- it's out there and we'll find it!! Good luck!

My friend flies to Orlando frequently from Midway and says that for the 4 of us, we shouldn't pay more than $600 on SWA. To me it's worth the trip to save quite a bit of money on airfare. Just something to think about.

 

[sheryl0521]

I need flights in December, and Delta has some great times for me as well. Unfortunately they cost $610 RT as of now. I am waiting so see something better - hopefully when Southwest opens their dates up the rate will drop.

 

[OKW Lover]

We fly early December every year. From our location we can chose to fly out of either BOS or PVD. About 3 months before, I start watching the prices out of both places. Once I see a good price (under $200) I _may_ watch a little longer, depending on how close to departure date it is. But if I see a really good price (under $170), I book right away. Either way, you should have bought your tickets by about 2 weeks before departure.

 

[DebbieB]

Keep in mind the times on the schedule are not set in stone, especially this far out. You frequently see posts on this board where people complain that airlines changed their flight times. Considering Delta is in bankruptcy and there may be a pilots strike, I would not book this far out.