Jet Blue and South West for April Break

[Poohbeck]

I know I can count on the Disboards to help me!

I am planning our first cruise for April Break; April 18 - 22, 2011. Sorry, it's not a Disney cruise. As you would expect, airfare is crazy for that week. The cruise leaves out of Miami (MIA), we could also fly into Fort Lauderdale (FLL). I am trying to figure out if I should book Delta now, or wait for Jet Blue, South West or Air Tran. Do you know when they will release their dates? thanks so much!

 

[HeatherC]

I believe Southwest releases in August...forget the date. But it is under travel tools on their website. Airtran and Delta don't post when they will release fares.

We fly over Feb. break every year and have always gotten lucky with airfare which is just as expensive then as April break.

Historically, for us at least, Southwest has been the cheapest. But...you have to be on the computer the minute they release those fares because they will go up within the first 30 minutes of being released.

Hope this helps!

 

[casjen]

Jetblue tends to run $400-$600pp for school vacation weeks. It's insane how expensive they are. My SIL ended up spending over $400pp on Southwest for Feb vacation. It isn't cheap. I found the best deals 11 months out.

 

[smacky1]

Southwest is scheduled to release the next round of dates on Aug. 17th but that only goes up until March 11....from the website:

On August 17, we will open our schedule for sale through March 11, 2011. This date is subject to change! Please check back frequently.

 

[goofy4tink]

Last year, I happened upon a great flight deal with Delta for vacation week...and those flights booked up fast!!! By the time I had doublechecked things at home, the flights I wanted were gone and I had to take flights that while very good as far as price went, cut 3 days off my WDW stay.
I never found the other airlines to be anywhere near as inexpensive as those Delta flights..and I kept checking to compare.
I bought tickets for April vacation already...flying Direct Air out of Worcester into Sanford....got a tremendous deal, 50% off fares. There was no way I was going to wait to see what JB or SW did for that vacation week. The fares are always astronomical from NE to Florida for vacation week. I would buy tickets now if they are on the cheaper side.

 

[HeatherC]

Goofy4tink: What did you pay on Direct Air if you don't mind me asking? I keep thinking of using them, but haven't yet. Probably because we usually fly in February and I'm afraid of them cancelling and no other flights available.

 

[Poohbeck]

I never heard of Direct Air. There website it pretty nice, but, my flights are sold out. Bummer.

 

[emmabelle]

Anytime I've looked for vacation week in April, the prices have been crazy high. Delta maybe your best bet. I've never found any deals for SW or Jetblue for that week. Southwest is supposed to extend their dates on August 17, for dates through March 11th. SW posts this info under Travel Tools.

 

[goofy4tink]

Goofy4tink: What did you pay on Direct Air if you don't mind me asking? I keep thinking of using them, but haven't yet. Probably because we usually fly in February and I'm afraid of them cancelling and no other flights available.

$650 for three of us...out of Worcester, into Sanford, April 14, flying home on April 24. I'm not sure I would fly with them in less than great weather simply because they have a very limited number of flights, so if one gets cancelled, there won't be another one that day.

 

[formill]

Direct Air has 50% off again right now- until July 5th- code is on their site. "JULY4SALE" They do charge extra for luggage and seat selection.

 

[poohbear2]

Honestly, I would buy the first day( minutes) the new fares come out if you go with Southwest. I will be purchasing tickets for our April vacation next year. Easter falls at the start of my vacation so I am expecting the worst for air fees. If you work, take the day off. And know exactly what you want because the flights will change prices within minutes.

 

[cinderella'smommy]

When do you have to be online to get the newly released SW fares? Is it midnite of August 17? 8 am? 2 pm? Anyone know?

We are on a cruise the first week of April--

K.

 

[lawgs]

When do you have to be online to get the newly released SW fares? Is it midnite of August 17? 8 am? 2 pm? Anyone know?

We are on a cruise the first week of April--

K.

the new SW fares are usually released at 10 am Central time which would be 11 am Eastern

they have been known to release earlier.....

be prepared for server OVERLOAD on that day and expect to spend a LOT of time booking on release dates

 

[lawgs]

....duplicate posting.....

 

[poohbear2]

When do you have to be online to get the newly released SW fares? Is it midnite of August 17? 8 am? 2 pm? Anyone know?

We are on a cruise the first week of April--

K.

You might have to wait until November for the first week of April.. Not sure though.