Is there an airline attendant on the board?

[BC]

It's been a while since I've been here, but just wanted to ask a few questions about air fares. There used to be a member that was an attendant with US Air, but I can't remember her user name. If you are on the board, or if anyone else can answer my question, it would be appreciated. I have been watching Expedia and the other discount pages for several weeks and the fare has not changed a nickel since the first time I checked. Is there anything in particular that triggers the rate to change or can I just expect it to go higher as my departure date draws closer. Any info you could provide is appreciated.

 

[ducklite]

Beverly hasn't been around in months, but Gail Hayden who works for a competing carrier is still around...

Anne

 

[DebbieB]

What dates are you looking for? I just bought tickets for USAir PIT/MCO for May 9 to 16. It had been running around $240, it dropped to $201 last week and I bought. I checked this weekend and it dropped to $195 (not enough of a difference to worry about).

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Beverly hasn't been around in months, but Gail Hayden who works for a competing carrier is still around...

LOL, Anne, I don't work for an airline.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

BC,
Not sure what triggers airline prices, but, I never use Expedia, I prefer to go to the airlines' sites and price them there.

 

[madcoco]

This may help some or confuse you even more:Airfares

 

[ducklite]

Originally posted by GAIL HAYDEN
LOL, Anne, I don't work for an airline.

Sorry, for some reason I thought you did--or maybe used to??

Anne

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Sorry, for some reason I thought you did--or maybe used to??

Don't be sorry, actually, I was flattered. I have never, however, worked for the travel industry. Something I would love to do.

 

[CarolA]

Well when is your departure date? That kind of makes a difference. If it is the next 30 days, probably only going to go higher. If it is 6 months out, who knows? The war issue is the great unknown.

On the Today show this morning they predicted 25% cuts in flights if we go to war. That could make the whole equation a LOT more interesting. Fewer flights could lead to higher fares, but fewer flyers could lead to fare sales. (All you need is a crystal ball!)

 

[bunnyfoo]

I just booked a couple of tickets for my May trip a week or so ago. Up until that day, I had been checking the prices everyday and they were about $700 (CDN) ... I finally booked for $460. I've found that the prices start dropping 2-3 months before you want to go.

Just keep checking everyday, I know it can get discouraging sometimes ... but you never know, the prices could come down at anytime ...

 

[dvc guy]

Airlines use historical data and load factors to set and adjust prices. Factor in how long till the flight departs and a few others items and you can see it is all very complex.
Selling 1 seat can trigger the prices to go up. Bottom line is you need to determine what you feel is a fair price for that seat and be prepared to buy it if the prices is right. Wait 5 minutes and the price might go up 100 dollars. Hope this helps

 

[Tracie]

Gail, you are the SW Queen!! We are flying SW for the 1st time this trip and you have answered every question I have had without even having to post a question. Everytime I think of a question I come to the transportation board and find a thread with your name, so I can see why someone would think you work for the airline. I would also like to thank you for all your great info about SW.

Tracie

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Tracie,
Thank you !!! I am glad I could help. I spend WAY too much time on the SWA site!!! Everytime someone asks a question I just zip out to the site and find the answer. I would love to work for SWA, but they don't pay very well.