DISCLAIMER: This is in no way scientific research nor am I in any way certain of or guaranteeing its reliability.
Okay, now that I took care of that part:
I was flipping about the SW rates for Jan/Feb, since I am flying down for my girls cruise in Jan and then need 7 R/T tix in Feb too. And we just paid 103 pp r/t with tax in September for BUF to MCO, so DH is expecting cheap flights.
DH has given me the lower rate or drive ultimatum too. I can't blame him. So, I dug out my stuff from September, and since I am so unorganized and never throw things away for months and months.....I have my original confirmation that i cancelled for a DING. I purchased those tickets, for our flight to Orlando, when they dropped from the original $109 to $99 (I then ended up getting a $44 DING, but I digress). This was on 06/28. Our flight was 09/16. So...approx 60-75 days ahead, since I think the sale went from 09/1-09/30 or something. So....I am expecting better rates for my Jan flight sometime in the next couple of weeks and then the Feb flights in late Nov-early December.
Actually, my exact prediction is that 11/1 the Jan rates will drop, and then 11/29 the Feb ones will. Since 06/28 was the last Wednesday in June.
Just my formula. Prove me right SW....I cannot take 21 hours in the car again!!!