May have to scrap our trip due to insane airfare prices!

[oceanmarina]

Hi all,

We usually head down every summer, late August when the airfare prices aren't too bad.

However I noticed that JetBlue has been really increasing their prices the last few years.

For the 4 of us to fly down out of NY is a little over $2,000

they were released high in November at $1,500 (which I though was way too high as I've paid 1000. in the recent past) But as I'm watching, checking during the week, ect. I'm seeing the price is not going down (even though you can see most of the seats are still available on the flights I want).

There's no way I would pay 2,000. to fly down.... we may have to scrap our trip ...sigh. Not sure what's going on, It's not a holiday week, and I've been purchasing the same route for the last 10 years every summer, I can't explain a double increase in price.

Has anyone else noticed absurdly high airfare prices?

~ Marina

 

[Spencer Wright]

I understand completely!! I'm in Philadelphia and for the past couple of years, air routes have drastically reduced and airfare has skyrocketed! Yet, for a while half the posters on public transit were to visit FL and now every other commercial is to visit FL!

Some co-workers who live north of the city found very reasonable fares (and parking rates) through Newark. Its inconvenient but maybe look there?

Also, I found somewhat reasonable fares through AA, which is what I booked.

 

[Tigerlulu]

Did you try southwest?

 

[Jamal Cole]

Or American?

 

[oceanmarina]

Did you try southwest?

Or American?

Yep, I tried American, they were $2300. (out of JFK) Southwest does not fly out of JFK and only has connecting flights from LGA which we don't want.

We fly out of a smaller airport closer to where we live, and JetBlue is the only one who goes down to Orlando nonstop out of this airport so they have a kind of monopoly going on. (Spirit used to leave out of this airport to Orlando and stopped and Delta stopped flying nonstop)

 

[Shanti]

There are a lot of airports in New York. I recommend looking at different airports & different carriers, to find better pricing. I'd also be open-minded about connecting flights if they're cheaper.

Cancelling the family trip because you'll only accept cheap nonstop flights from one particular airport seems a bit rigid to me.

 

[AnnaS]

We have noticed this for a while now. We fly out of Newark and flights have been averaging about $900 for two people r/t.

 

[maxiesmom]

Yep, I tried American, they were $2300. (out of JFK) Southwest does not fly out of JFK and only has connecting flights from LGA which we don't want.

We fly out of a smaller airport closer to where we live, and JetBlue is the only one who goes down to Orlando nonstop out of this airport so they have a kind of monopoly going on. (Spirit used to leave out of this airport to Orlando and stopped and Delta stopped flying nonstop)

So you would really cancel your trip instead of looking at different airports?

 

[FCDub]

There are a lot of airports in New York. I recommend looking at different airports & different carriers, to find better pricing. I'd also be open-minded about connecting flights if they're cheaper.

Cancelling the family trip because you'll only accept cheap nonstop flights from one particular airport seems a bit rigid to me.

I would agree. OP, if you really want to go, you’re probably going to have to be flexible and find a way to make it work. Whether that’s changing your dates, airlines, arrival times, nonstop vs. a connecting flight ... you’ll probably be happily surprised if you change your exact requirements.

 

[Jamal Cole]

What are you exact date to leave and return? You said late august i did a random search for august 24th to the 31st and found AA $1,100 for 4.

 

[shoreward]

What about www.flyfrontier.com ?

Would you be willing to fly from Long Island? They have nonstops starting at $70 each way (+ bag fees and other options). If you bundle the options and book The Works, there is a considerable savings. They currently are booking into early August.

https://www.flyfrontier.com/ways-to-save/bundles/

 

[sam_gordon]

Cancelling the family trip because you'll only accept cheap nonstop flights from one particular airport seems a bit rigid to me.

I totally agree with this. Flexibility is the key in getting cheap airfare. Adjust dates/times/locations/# of stops/airline.

 

[Amanda999]

Can you shift your days, to leave/depart Tue, Wed or thursdays? (We also go - family of 4 - annually late August. I noticed it went up alot for weekends last year, but was still able to keep it under $300 per person flying mid-week.

 

[oceanmarina]

What are you exact date to leave and return? You said late august i did a random search for august 24th to the 31st and found AA $1,100 for 4.

Hi we have flexible dates so we are trying to fly weekdays both ways to save $$, but we have to be home before the 31st with the start of school

What about www.flyfrontier.com ?

Would you be willing to fly from Long Island? They have nonstops starting at $70 each way (+ bag fees and other options). If you bundle the options and book The Works, there is a considerable savings. They currently are booking into early August.

https://www.flyfrontier.com/ways-to-save/bundles/

I will check them out, yes we have flown out from JFK but haven't been out of LGA in many years

I totally agree with this. Flexibility is the key in getting cheap airfare. Adjust dates/times/locations/# of stops/airline.

Can you shift your days, to leave/depart Tue, Wed or thursdays? (We also go - family of 4 - annually late August. I noticed it went up alot for weekends last year, but was still able to keep it under $300 per person flying mid-week.

Yep to both - I have flexible days for the month and believe it or not my high fare from JetBlue is on a Wed. to Wed., it's not a weekend fare! (Although price wise you would think it is one!)

 

[Jamal Cole]

How many days do you want to be out there for. 5 , 7 , 10 etc? So I can search again maybe but the dates I did 24 - 31 came up to $1,100 If 7 days is enough

 

[Summer2018]

Hi all,

We usually head down every summer, late August when the airfare prices aren't too bad.

However I noticed that JetBlue has been really increasing their prices the last few years.

For the 4 of us to fly down out of NY is a little over $2,000

they were released high in November at $1,500 (which I though was way too high as I've paid 1000. in the recent past) But as I'm watching, checking during the week, ect. I'm seeing the price is not going down (even though you can see most of the seats are still available on the flights I want).

There's no way I would pay 2,000. to fly down.... we may have to scrap our trip ...sigh. Not sure what's going on, It's not a holiday week, and I've been purchasing the same route for the last 10 years every summer, I can't explain a double increase in price.

Has anyone else noticed absurdly high airfare prices?

~ Marina

That’s one of the reasons why we drive. We do it in two days staying over in Lumberton, NC. We flew once and took the train once. We prefer to drive, bringing as much luggage as we please, and buying whatever souvenirs we want. I read a few books during the trip down & back.
Have you ever considered driving?

 

[FCDub]

Look at changing the dates to shorten your trip a bit, too – as blasphemous as that might sound. If you can get a deal, you'll have extra money to splurge on something at WDW.

 

[DebbieB]

On February 15, Southwest will release dates to October 1. Currently available to August 6. That may push other airlines down.

My friend gets good rates from Newark. How far is Islip from you?

 

[shoreward]

I will check them out, yes we have flown out from JFK but haven't been out of LGA in many years

Frontier flies nonstop to MCO from Islip on Long Island. That's east/northeast of JFK and about a one hour drive from there.

Just to note, Frontier does not participate in resort airline check-in. However, you can ride the Magical Express. You would just have to check bags at MCO.

 

[AquamarineSteph]

If I had to wait for a direct flight somewhere, I wouldn't be able to travel more than a handful of places. I hope you're able to find something that works for you!!!