How to get deals on flights?

[dangler]

Hi,

Does anyone know how to get good prices on flights? Are you better to book early or wait closer to the dates to you go?

 

[SheriB]

I think it depends. Usually, prices are a little higher if it's too early. I have been watching prices for our July trip since January. I finally got a good rate of $176.90 round trip (incl. fees and taxes) through SouthWest from PHL to MCO, but that was on the day they released the new dates thru August (I think it was February 17th). I would just say be diligent in checking and rechecking, and if you see a price that looks good to you, grab it. I missed a deal of $159 through Spirit Air out of Atlantic City. I was beginning to think I wouldn't get anything under $200, but I waited for SouthWest and was lucky. Now, I was just trying to help a friend who's planning on going the end of June, and I couldn't find anything for her in our area for under $259 (this is for non-stop flights), and USAir wanted $512 per person round trip! I don't know if the anticipated gas price increases are affecting airfaire or what, but the rates seem pretty high to me right now. Good luck to you. Hopefully others will have some tips for you as well.

Sheri

 

[beattyfamily]

Yes, it does depend on when you are going. Holidays the early you book the better as the low prices are brief and then they go up.

I usually book right as the dates open up and it's only gone up for me except once.

I did book last August's trip with Jetblue at about 7 months out and the price came down about $45 total. I got a voucher and used it on my Oct trip.

This year I'm going the day after Thanksgiving. The price has now doubled so I'm very glad I booked it already.

I prefer booking early and getting a voucher if the price comes down, which only happened once.

 

[igitur]

I lucked out just today with a NWA airfare nonstop for Thanksgiving week for $210 pp.

I've been watching the fares and they've all been over $300. But I also had an alert registered with Orbitz and when I checked my email this morning, it told me that airfare had hit the level I was willing to pay.

I'm pretty happy with that considering I've heard airfare is usually pretty high that week unless you're flying right on Thanksgiving. But we fly into Orlando on the 19th, and fly out the 25th which is the day after Thanksgiving!

Your best bet is to check everyday until you come across something you're willing to pay.

Deb

 

[MinnieMe2]

I've been watching July flights from Boston to Orlando, and I was starting to panic. There were no non-stops and everything was over $200, which was more than I wanted to pay -- especially for a 7 or 8 hour flight!!!! But just last evening Song posted non-stops, our dates, for $160. I grabbed 'em and I'm happy with that rate.

I think you just have to keep checking. If you book a flight at what you consider to be a good fare, be happy with it. If the fare drops, check to see if you can get vouchers for the difference. It can pretty much be a crap shoot......

 

[dangler]

Thanks for the great advice! I noticed you said you booked through Orbitz. I have only ever used a travel agent, so I just wondered how that process worked? Do they give you a confirmation number or do they mail you tickets?

 

[igitur]

Thanks for the great advice! I noticed you said you booked through Orbitz. I have only ever used a travel agent, so I just wondered how that process worked? Do they give you a confirmation number or do they mail you tickets?

Actually, I didn't book the tickets through Orbitz...I just received an alert from them letting me know what airfares were coming in at and who had the best fare. I then went directly to the Northwest web site and booked my flights through there which is what I normally do.

Hope that helps!

Deb

 

[dangler]

Thanks, that is a great idea!

 

[northern michigan]

I'm connecting with flight 5416 @7pm on the 19th (Continental operated by NW). What time are you departing? I've been watching these airfares as well from DTW, ORD, and all airports north. They've been outrageous! We were in WDW when they were originally released. We had hoped to use FF miles with AA, but they only had two seats available and we have two young travelers with us.

 

[igitur]

I'm connecting with flight 5416 @7pm on the 19th (Continental operated by NW). What time are you departing? I've been watching these airfares as well from DTW, ORD, and all airports north. They've been outrageous! We were in WDW when they were originally released. We had hoped to use FF miles with AA, but they only had two seats available and we have two young travelers with us.

We actually have a morning flight at 6:40 a.m. on the 19th! I'm so glad we found that! I've been watching the airfares too! We've got 11 people family members spending Thanksgiving together at BCV. When I saw the price yesterday, I called everyone and we all jumped on it! I noticed last night that the prices have already started creeping back up.

We were going to use our Traveler Miles for our tickets but then I decided we'd spring for these and just add up some more miles and go somewhere else next year.

Good luck!

Deb