How/When can you get the cheapest airfare?

[Lauren79]

My family of 4 is travelling to WDW for the first time in May 2011. While researching airline prices, I noticed Jetblue and Southwest have the lowest fares. How far ahead should I purchase the airfare...and is there anyway to get it cheaper than what is posted? I already signed up for their travel bulletins.

 

[seashoreCM]

No sure fire way. It's a matter of luck.

But one good guideline is to wait for a sale instead of buy at their everyday low price. Same as when buying clothing, TV, groceries, etc.

Sometimes only a few seats remain at a given fare so when you say 4 people are traveling and only 3 or 2 seats are at that fare, you are quoted a higher fare. Meanwhile you could do two bookings a few minutes apart, one for the remaining 2 or so seats and a second booking for the rest of the family.

Disney hints: http://www.cockam.com/disney.htm

 

[ancestry]

What I do is determine what I am willing to pay per person (i.e. what is a fair price per person). When the the price hits that point I book it instead of worrying about getting the absolute lowest price.

 

[Lauren79]

Thanks guys, your advice was very helpful.

 

[Missytara]

I have found on the weekends that the fares go up; my theory is that it is because families are all home together planning their vacations.

I book my flights very early on Tuesday or Wednesday, and it seems they are the lowest on those days. The earlier in the day or the later in the day you book them, the lower they are.