Flying in July

[Momma Kanga]

Our family is going from July 3-July 10 to WDW. I wanted to book airfare a couple of weeks ago but my DH said if we wait long enough we will get a good deal. I am afraid we already missed it. Anyone have any suggestions or experience with flying in July? We could fly out of Chicago-Milwaukee or Madison.

 

[dkrause716]

We are going in July too and often fly at this time of year. I would watch for deals on a daily basis. Personally, I get nervous about waiting too long to book my air. I love SW and last year booked our flight out of Philly in early March. (We were going to the world about the same time last year.) Our initial flight cost was $700.00 for the four of us, roughly $150 pp plus taxes. A few weeks later they had a deal for $98 rt!!! I called and rebooked at the lower rate. We ended up with a $250 credit which DD and I used to fly to California for a visit with my sil. Cool!

The other thing you could do is set up a Travelocity farewatcher. They will e-mail you when rates go up or down.

Good luck!

 

[Bruce in PA]

...and isn't that a wishy-washy answer! But at least in my experience, that's been the case.

If you're flying on a busy day of the week (usually Friday or Saturday going down, Saturday or Sunday on the return..or, of course, holiday periods around 4th of July), booking early is about your only choice. The later you go, the more you'll be forced into very early or very late non-stop flights, or non-direct flights with long layovers at out-of-the-way airports.

You'll also get squeezed out of the best fare categories, since the airlines only allot a certain number of seats to those fares. If you're flying in peak demand times, those seats will go fast.

The third factor to think about is fuel prices, which have been rising very quickly. My thought is that rising oil prices will lead many folks to fly instead of driving this summer, which will also increase demand for seats. And if fuel prices rise, the airlines are going to probably have to raise their fares to get that money back -- meaning the longer you wait, the more you might pay.

If, however, you're flying midweek and not returning on a weekend, you might do well to wait. Or, if you're flexible and don't mind layovers, you might even want to consider rolling the dice and trying Priceline, which can get you some great fares if you don't mind how you reach your destination or when you arrive.

Now I'm speaking as someone who flies out of Philadelphia...Chicago might be different, and I hope you hear from somebody who has first-hand experience booking Chicago flights.

Good luck!

Bruce

 

[crzykid]

I would try usa3000 to book a flight out of chicago Ohare. I have never flown with them but I saw a billboard last night coming home that said 59 to florida destinations. That would really be good considering the cost of fuel is going threw the roof you might not get anything better. Plus the week you are going is over a holiday. Book now.