? for SW experts

[terribm]

We are traveling to the World the last weekend in Jan. As soon as the SW rates were released, I thought they were higher than they would be and then they went up even more. They are at $112 each way and I have seen them as low as $49 each way. (From RDU) My question is, do you think they will go down and how long should I wait? I know there are some terrific experts out there that can share their advice. TIA.

 

[Vijoge]

We're going the first week in Feb, from Chicago. I bought our tickets for $99 the day our dates were release because I really don't think they're going to go down in price. Compared to what we paid last March, $99 is a steal! We also used to get those $49 rates, but no more. Haven't seen anything like that to FL in ages.

I don't know anything about your home airport,of course, so YMMV.

 

[Jaime4004]

I usually book them whenever it seems like a reasonable rate. Then I stalk the website daily waiting for them to go down, and take the credit. We fly a few times/year so I can always use the credit. I usually catch a lower fare at some point, but occasionally it only goes up from where I bought them, so I like to have it booked early...

 

[clanmcculloch]

How long has it been since you've seen $49 fares? If it's over a year then I wouldn't count on finding anything near that again. The absolute lowest fares I find now around around 1.5 times what they used to be and those are typically not the times I really want. For the times I really want I'm not seeing fares go lower than 2 times what I used to pay (my airports have much higher fares than yours) during somewhat slower seasons. Even the DING that I lucked into in June was higher than the fares I used to see and I couldn't even believe I got a DING since my airports almost never get DINGs to MCO.

Nobody can predict what'll happen with fares. The best advice anybody can give you is to decide what price you're comfortable with and book when it's there. If you are definitely going to fly and that's the best price you're seeing and you're comfortable paying that much (not necessarily happy about it but comfortable with the $$) then book now and then watch for price drops which will result in credits for future flights.

 

[robinb]

One thing to remember is that prices go up on Friday and come back down on Tuesday. You will probably get your best price if you make your purchase on a Tues-Thurs.

 

[Jestocost]

I would be dancing for delight with $112 each way. The best we've gotten from STL-MCO lately is $180 RT and more commonly RT fares have been $350-$400. Other than a few routes that occassionally get priced at $49 each way (and I haven't yet jumped on that big Little Rock trip opportunity) fares at those low levels are gone, gone, gone. They certainly will rarely--if ever--show up for popular destinations like Orlando.

 

[mdsd8700]

I agree with what everyone here has said. Fares are so much higher than they used to be and it seems those "low fares" are to places that aren't exactly the hot spots for vacation. My experience has been that I book as soon as I can as long as I am comfortable with the price. I used to be one of those that waited for a better price, but it bit me in the butt once and I didn't want that to happen again. The last year/18 months or so all the times I have booked, only once did the price come down lower and typically it went up, but that is my airport. You may have different luck with yours. It is always kind of a gamble, but if you typically fly SW you will at least have the credit to use. Good luck!

 

[AllesonWonderland]

I'm trying to prepare myself for higher fares this year...last year we snagged $59 flights MCI-MCO and our trip before that were the $49 fares. We're spoiled!! I looked at cost when they did their most recent opening and rates were over $100 each way. Ouch! Makes the 4 hour drive to the airport not as appealing...though I'm sure flights from our local airport are even more costly. I guess I'll see what happens when they open up our dates in October.

I hope you find a fare you're happy with--have a great trip!!

 

[terribm]

Thanks for all the advice. I just had a feeling that the prices would go down. Actually found a great deal on a direct flight on Delta for $139 (RTincluding taxes). Resisted thinking SW would follow and was right. Was able to book $229 RT on SW and won't be paying for bags to fly. Oh, while I was taking the chance for SW to go down, Delta went back up a little. I am happy to pay a little more to fly SW. I think they are more reliable. Rule of thumb, listen to your gut.

T

 

[robinb]

Thanks for all the advice. I just had a feeling that the prices would go down. Actually found a great deal on a direct flight on Delta for $139 (RTincluding taxes). Resisted thinking SW would follow and was right. Was able to book $229 RT on SW and won't be paying for bags to fly.

Aren't you paying $90 per person for your bags to fly ? I don't get the whole checked bag thing anyway. We flew AirTran last December and carried on all our bags. We dressed in layers on the plane with all our bulky coats and things and packed in 20-22" suitcases that fit in the overhead compartment. The only thing that was a PITB was not being able to bring liquids in our suitcases. Even if you just paid to check ONE bag to carry all your shampoo and other liquids if would have been cheaper on Delta.

 

[terribm]

Anyway you look at it (bag charge or not) it would have been cheaper on Delta. I like and prefer SW and find them more reliable than Delta. The difference in price between the two became much smaller so I booked SW which is what I wanted.