I think I'm getting a pretty good airfare!

[MELSMICE]

We have our resort ressies made for Nov. & all I needed was airfare. We had planned on waiting for Southwest rates to come out because we have a frequent flyer ticket.

Well, I saw rates in the paper over the weekend & decided to call USAir. I got a rate of $185 - including taxes at exactly the times I wanted to leave. I held the flights I needed & think I'm going to book it today. Even with Southwest's lowest fares I won't do much better than that - especially considering it included the taxes (that just blew my mind )

Any other good rates on airlines for Nov. that anyone has before I book these? Of course, now I have a Southwest ticket that's just sitting there.............

 

[GoldenOldie]

Well I'm not sure I'd jump at the USAir fare.

First of all, the chances are far greater that USAir will make changes in their flights before November so the ideal flights you have booked may not be so ideal come November.

Second, and I'm basing this on the five smilie figures you have by your countdown timer: Even if Southwest fares come out at $225, you'd still be saving money by using them with your FF ticket. Your 5 USAir tix would cost you $925 while your 4 SW tix (plus the FF ticket) would be $900.

Personally, I think you'll find SW coming out with fares much lower than $225 for that time of year (unless you are going at Thanksgiving). A $175 SW rate would not be unusual. That would give you a $700 figure for 4 tix.

The caveat here is Iraq. If it happens, plan on lots of flights being cancelled by many airlines. That may render moot all your planning.

Good luck!

 

[CarolA]

You better decide soon. Holding the flight does not hold the airfare. Your cheap airfare could already be gone. Holding the flight only holds a seat. If all the cheap airfares sell out between the time you hold and the time you buy, you don't get the cheap airfare.

I am not sure I agree with Golden Oldie. Unless SW has a special their airfares seem to be running about $20 to $30 higher than last year. My Airfare is up to $201 and I know is was running $180 this time last year.

 

[zulaya]

CarolA - I think just about every airfare is running $20-$30 more this year over last. And from MSP, it's higher than that in most cases. I think we just have to be prepared that fares are going to be higher in the short run (Iraq) and the long run (until airlines become profitable again, and business travelers return to the sky)

 

[MELSMICE]

Originally posted by CarolA
You better decide soon. Holding the flight does not hold the airfare. Your cheap airfare could already be gone.

I did a 24-hour hold, so if I don't call back by 3 p.m. EST today they automatically cancel. If I call before then to book them, their mine.

BTW - I got the last 5 seats on the plane at that rate for the return flight. Also, they had started at $188 & in the process they went to $185 (I know - only a $15 savings).

Honestly, I think I'm going to book them & just try to sell my SW ticket or I may give it to my SIL whose family lives in Albequerque, New Mexico. She doesn't get to visit them real often.

 

[TiggerInNY]

I'm going in October and already booked my flights for $211 (including taxes etc.) each for a family of four on Continental from Newark to Orlando. They are only going to go up if and when War breaks out. We've already seen what is happening to gas prices for personal use. Just imagine what's going to happen to airline fuel. The flights that I have booked already went up from $844 to $1076. To me, having peace of mind that my flights are booked, at the times that I wanted, is good enough for me. I'd rather not wait and HOPE that prices go down and save $20. I'll find another place to save that $20. When you see the fares for a cheap fare, they may not be the flights that you are looking for.

I just thought I would put my 2 cents in.

TTFN,
Mari

 

[MELSMICE]

Well, I guess we can close this thread. I just booked the flights.

Even though I love flying Southwest because it is non-stop, I just hate waiting. I like to know I have my flights, especially when I get a decent rate.

Also, after this flight, we will have enough FF miles on USAir for 4 free tickets, possibly 5, so that actually helped me make my decision.

I'll probably offer the Southwest ticket to my SIL, which will at least make me feel like I am doing a good deed.