Here is what is stopping me from visiting more often --- airfare

[rutgers1]

Are there any tricks of the trade in getting cheaper air?

We could go every year, perhaps multiple times in some year, if airfare wasn't such a factor. I just can't pay for my DVC, park tickets, food, and then $1250 for my family to fly down.

 

[DISNEYFOS]

Are there any tricks of the trade in getting cheaper air?

We could go every year, perhaps multiple times in some year, if airfare wasn't such a factor. I just can't pay for my DVC, park tickets, food, and then $1250 for my family to fly down.

No tricks here...other than trying to fly midweek. The best way to stretch your points is a Sun - Fri stay and that is the most expensive dates to fly.

 

[Esmerelda]

I can't say as I have any great advice to offer. You might sign up on Travelocity airfare watch or check out Bestfares.com. I have been a member of BF for over 6 years now..I've gotten some great deals thru there in years past. Try for a DING from SW.

We are on the outskirts of Dayton, Ohio and have flown to Disney for the last 5 years. This year we are driving. Being as there are 4 of us...the cheapest airfare we could find would put us at spending $1,000 for the fare alone! We are driving and have calculated at $4.00 per gallon (est high) and it should cost us about $170 each way. That sure beats $1,000. Plus not to mention we are tired of the airport issues...the security...the parking...the delayed flights...the extra bag charges...etc. I'm looking forward to jumping in my van and just going. We timed it last year from the time we left our house and actually got to Orlando...it was right at 8 hours. For about 6 more hours...we have all of the stuff we wanted to bring (not to mention what we return with..lol)...plus we have our own vehicle so no rental. I'm quite looking forward to it (and believe me, I have flown a great deal and enjoy it)

How far away from the world are you in driving time? (we are about 14-15 hours)

 

[rutgers1]

We are right outside of NYC. I think it is about 18 hours. We took a motor home a few years ago and I swore that it would be a long time before I drove again. It seems like I can find fares around $250/person, but that is enough to dissuade me from going as often as I'd like.

I was thinking about getting a credit card with miles. Not sure how that works or how good that is.

 

[CarolA]

I have started using Farecompare.com

I find thier message service MUCH more reliable then any others (travelocity, expedia, best fares etc.) I have tried.

They don't do airlines like SW that don't play on the major reservation systems so you would have to watch those on your own. (Not that SW flies out of my airport)

 

[GGOOFY1]

I have also used Kayak.com to compare fares.

 

[JodyTG]

We used to fly, but the last 3 trips we've driven. We were THINKING about flying down this December, but when I checked the airfare it was absolutely ridiculous! Almost $3,000 for 4 people and that was for the cheaper fares.

We'll be driving again...

 

[jmatias]

For all our past trips airfare to MCO from Honolulu hasn't been too bad with prices for summer in the $500 range.

But now that several airlines in our Hawaii market are bankrupt and the merger of Delta/Northwest, flights to MCO are looking ugly

I hoping that things will stabilize soon because I'm planning our next trip to our home at AKV for next summer.

Jen

 

[dnoyes]

We are right outside of NYC. I think it is about 18 hours. We took a motor home a few years ago and I swore that it would be a long time before I drove again. It seems like I can find fares around $250/person, but that is enough to dissuade me from going as often as I'd like.

I was thinking about getting a credit card with miles. Not sure how that works or how good that is.

If I could get a flight for $250 it would be like winning a lottery For us $550 is a good deal.

 

[bigsmooth]

This does not necessarily work for everyone, but I am a big believer in the airline mileage card. We've managed to find a card that is for an airline that also flys direct to Orlando from where we live (Seattle), each year we get a $50 companion fare coupon as part of the card (it does have a annual fee), and we use the card to fun all purchases and pay it off each month. We've been able to use it on three trips now where we get two tickets completely for free, buy one ticket full fare and one ticket for $50 using the companion fare rate. That is 4 tickets for the price of one (plus $50).

It does help if you travel for work purposes, allowing miles to build up faster.

 

[DVC Jen]

drive? we always do. DFW is nightmare expensive to fly out of - it is cheaper for my family of 4 to drive - even with todays gas prices

 

[LIFERBABE]

We used to fly, but the last 3 trips we've driven. We were THINKING about flying down this December, but when I checked the airfare it was absolutely ridiculous! Almost $3,000 for 4 people and that was for the cheaper fares.

We'll be driving again...

Hi Jody! We drive from FTW every Christmas. We stay 2 weeks over the holiday to make the long drive worth it. It's really not that bad and with enough time in between to be well rested. Our drive is about 18-20 hours. So far we have always done it straight thru, with Dh and I switching off. The later it gets the more we switch. We take a long break between 3-5 am (that makes it 20 hrs) and we normally get to WDW before noon the next day.
We have our favorite exits and gas stations marked. I also like to drive because we always end up staying an extra day. Cant do that when u fly.

Yesterday I bought our plane tickets for F&WF on Airtran.com They had a $25 off coupon each way for Mother's Day and I was able to score our Oct flights for $135 each nonstop out of DFW!!

I love Airtran. They have free XM radio and earphones. And I dont even mind when they change the flight times, because if they change you can cancel without penalty.

Another good deal is if you travel in May or June, do the cheap rental car drive aways from Florida. If you can find a cheap 1 way fare to MCO, you can pick up a car for your length of stay, and drive it home for little of nothing. Last year we had a car for 21/2 weeks (Hertz Toyata Avalon) and dropped it off at DFW for $200 (plus gas) We flew in 1 way on Airtran for $80 each.

This year (June) we have a mini van for $87 for the week. Again flying in on Airtran, mini van all week and drive it home to DFW. We estimated gas at $4 a gallon too.

Even with gas prices, when you combine your rental car and trip home, it is still economical.

We are driving to HHI in 2 weeks!

 

[limace]

Gah...we're on the West Coast, so no decision here. We fly, or we don't go. I have an Alaska Airlines credit card-Alaska's mileage plan is one of the best in the business. Miles don't expire, and only 20K for a free trip. There are often incentives, so they accumulate fast, even without the credit card.

Check out http://flyertalk.com/ Great website re making the most of frequent flier programs.

 

[HayGan]

We have flown the past several trips but the days of $39 Ding fares are long gone In August we are driving, it really is cost effective now for the 4 of us to drive. I have to think that most trips now will be driven except for the rare trip via my frequent flier miles.

 

[Wedgeh]

I'd love to drive, but have the minor inconvenience of the Atlantic Ocean in the way. So it's every 3 (or if I can persuade DW 2) years for us.

 

[ADP]

We've been pretty lucky here in Indy. Our airfare can range $100 to $200 per person. We have Airtran and Southwest who fly direct to Orlando. Both are low cost air carriers.

I would suggest to the Op to try these tips:
1. Try and fly on Tuesday or Wednesday. These are low travel days and are typically the cheapest days to fly.
2. Buy early, Buy early, Buy early, Buy early. Each plane has discounted seats when a flight opens up for sale; however, there are very few. If you are one of the first to purchase seats on a flight you will typically get the best price per person.
3. Continually visit your air carriers website to keep an eye out for specials and promotions which can significantly save you money. Even after you purchase your flights you can get an adjustment or credit on your airfare if the price drops. Sometimes you can get your money back other times you can get a credit for future travel. Either way is good.

 

[drakethib]

We used to fly, but the last 3 trips we've driven. We were THINKING about flying down this December, but when I checked the airfare it was absolutely ridiculous! Almost $3,000 for 4 people and that was for the cheaper fares.

We'll be driving again...

Good night what airline are you checking?

We use both continental and southwest and have never paid more then $250. RT per person out of Houston.

 

[Brian Noble]

Just a note that prior years may mean little when checking for airfare given today's market. I fly down the same February week every year and, so far, 2009's flights were published about 20% higher or (much) more, depending on airline and time. So far, they have only gone up.

 

[RumpleMom]

We fly Wednesday to Wednesday for cheaper fares. DH likes having a short work week on both ends of vacation.

Sign up for email alerts from the airlines. Airtran and Southwest have been a wonderful addition to PIT.

Join the frequent flyer club for several airlines.

Check fares very early, then be ready to purchase when you see a deal.

 

[PhilUK]

Our Flights run to around $3400 for 2 Adults & 1 Child. Not much chance of driving from here but we've just hit $10 / Gallon here

Phil