Looks like we may be driving in December.

[GEM]

We were planning to fly because it's a shorter trip this time, due to DH's craziness at work right now and the fact that we just bought a house. We've made the drive before with our little guy, and it wasn't bad - but it wasn't ideal either.

We usually fly out of Little Rock, but we've also been checking Tulsa (3 hours away), OKC (4 hours away), and Memphis (4 hours away). Everything is right around $300 - or higher. Even South West! That's $900 for the three of us. So, unless we find something better (which is looking really unlikely now), we'll be driving again.

I did get a Ding for Tulsa-Orlando this morning, but when I tried to book it, it kept coming up with no availability for any of the dates I put in. (Our current dates are Dec. 16-24, but we're somewhat flexible.)

Any suggestions?

 

[HayGan]

I would register for all of the major travel sites fare alert systems. Do a search for airports and dates you are looking for and then when they propmt you at the end if you want to be alerted for lower fare, check yes or enter your e-mail. I would check expedia, travelocity, orbitz and hotwire.

I would do another search in 2 or 3 weeks. The fuel situation will likely have settled down by then and companies will have a better idea of what their fuel costs will be in the short term (2-3 months).

Your dates might be really tough because they are right before Christmas.

Either way - have a great trip

 

[Onceler]

Your return date of December 24 is the reason why you can't, and likely won't, be able to find cheaper fares. Air travel on that date is very busy so there isn't any reason for the airlines to offer cheaper fares -- the planes will be nearly full even with expensive fares.

If you are flexible, you may want to look for fares on other dates. The fares tend to be high during the week leading up to Christmas. But with Christmas on a Sunday this year, you might have some luck if you try earlier in the week. Also, flying on December 25 is often much cheaper and less crowded.