Got my plane tickets, expensive this year.

[jeff968]

Well, I guess the airlines are trying to recoup some of their loses this year because I was not able to find the flights I wanted or get the prices I wanted and I have been watching (orbtiz) for months. I wanted non-stops from NYC to Orlando, leave thursday night February 13th, return saturday the 22nd. I ended up with USAir 1 stops, leaving Wednesday night, returning Friday the 21st, and at a cost of $215 a ticket!!! I paid $150 for non-stops last year for the same president's week. Maybe the prices were so low last year because of 9/11 and I know that I'm traveling on one of the busiest weeks of the year but I'm still not happy with the cost. At least I'm all set. If they add planes and come out with cheaper tickets next month I'll kill myself. Tell me I did the right thing.

 

[jdm]

I'm going the same week as you (and I did last year too) and have decided to wait to get my tickets. We're flying out of Seattle. I remember last year I booked early and then the fares went down at the end of November and I kicked myself. (Kicked, not killed :~) ! We travel frequently and even when we went over New Years 2000 and I KNEW the fares would go up the closer to the holiday--- they went down! So, I'm waiting. I figure the worse thing that could happen is that I can priceline them and get some bunk flight times for lower fares.

On the other hand! Even if it costs you a few extra bucks, you now can make your plans and have the peace of mind of already having your tickets. I'm surprised, though, that you couldn't get the flight times you wanted this far out.

I think I read a recent post of yours that you scored a great deal on Orange Lake. Do you mind sharing the details? We stayed at the Vistana last year on an instant exchange through RCI and I'm waiting for the 45 day window to see if I can get lucky again (another reason why I'm waiting to book).

Either way, I wouldn't sweat it. There are pros and cons in each direction (to book early or not to book early) and whatever you do--- Don't kill yourself!! :~) After all, theres nothing like sunny Florida in Feb and you don't want to miss it!!

Jenn

 

[jeff968]

I appreciate the comments. I had hoped to get the flights first and then go after accommodations but my Timeshare renter friend got a great deal on a two bedroom at Orange lake for only $599 for the week. I decided that was too good a deal to pass up and took it. But now I need those flights and I have only seen them go up in price over the past number of weeks. The thought of driving 24 hours with my three kids was enough to make me settle for what is available now.

 

[chucked]

I just booked Delta out of Buffalo for Feb 8 - 15 for $140 (including taxes). To get this rate, I had to fly into Tampa instead of Orlando, but the same dates into Orlando were $80 more. For $80 a seat, we are willing to drive the hour from Tampa, instead of the 20 minutes from the Orlando airport. All the flights, from every airline were cheaper into Tampa instead of Orlando.