I need advice on my SW vs AA dilemma

[ccgegg]

For months, airfare from STL-MCO has been over $300 on any airline for mid-Dec. When SW opened dates thru Dec 12 (which only covers my way TO Orlando), the fare was still $150 one-way. Now I see they're offering a $100 one-way fare that expires tomorrow night. Assuming the schedule for the rest of Dec doesn't open up before that fare expires, what do you think I should do? Should I buy the one-way now and hope the return fare on Dec 16 is equally as good? Adding to my dilemma is that DW and I are both close to having enough miles for a free ticket on American's FF program. So we'd REALLY like to fly AA, but their fares are still $300 rt. And we don't fly that often to where we'd easily use the SW credit. I'd appreciate opinions.

 

[cropper]

I would go for the SW one way.
Even if the return isn't as cheap, it won't be over $200

 

[leanne2255]

I checked AA yesterday before I booked my SW flight, at it appears that AA is matching SW fares when they are published. You may still be able to get a good fare on AA.

 

[adisneymama]

I would do what you feel the most comfortable with. Since you have a FF program with AA it might benefit you to go that route. Would the tickets with AA be refundable? If so you could book them now and wait to see what SW does when your return dates open up for booking. Good Luck deciding.

 

[ccgegg]

I checked AA yesterday before I booked my SW flight, at it appears that AA is matching SW fares when they are published. You may still be able to get a good fare on AA.

I'm seeing that too. The STL-MCO rt on AA used to be $315+, but now it's down to $270 because that first leg of my trip (Dec 11-16) is just under $100. Looks like all the other airlines have matched SW fares thru Dec 12. I'll just be patient until the rest of Dec opens up.

 

[kaytieeldr]

How much is AA for a one-way return trip? And would flying that airline just one way give you each enough miles? If the cost is reasonable and you'll get the miles you need, I'd book and fly Southwest to Orlando and AA going home.

 

[ccgegg]

How much is AA for a one-way return trip? And would flying that airline just one way give you each enough miles? If the cost is reasonable and you'll get the miles you need, I'd book and fly Southwest to Orlando and AA going home.

The problem right now is that none of the airlines have released reduced fares past Dec 12 yet. I was hoping SW opened their dates today, but it doesn't look like it will happen.