MCO to Boston-any tips on cheapest flights for April?

[brushnfloss]

We're SOOO excited about our 1st cruise...4/18-4/25. We're planning to fly home on April 26, 2009...I figure it's never too early to start obsessing about the flight arrangements!! Does anyone have any advice on getting the best fares? Also, does anyone know how far in advance Jet Blue and Air Tran usually open dates?
I'm new here and love all the great ideas and info...Thanks!

 

[WDWLVR]

Welcome to the DIS. Since you question is about air transportation I'm going to move it over to the transportation board since that where the experts on this reside. Come on back to the cruise forum for any cruise specific questions you have. You'll find there are many helpful and knowledgeable people all around the DIS.

 

[alwayslisad]

We're SOOO excited about our 1st cruise...4/18-4/25. We're planning to fly home on April 26, 2009...I figure it's never too early to start obsessing about the flight arrangements!! Does anyone have any advice on getting the best fares? Also, does anyone know how far in advance Jet Blue and Air Tran usually open dates?
I'm new here and love all the great ideas and info...Thanks!

Good morning - we try to fly from MHT to MCO due to the fact that MHT is such a breeze to get in and out - but the cost is so much higher for the trip. I am cruising in 11/2009 and am already just looking at costs - so far to fly from MHT to MCO it is southwest that appears to be the cheapest...As for BOS to MCO - that is a catch 22 - Jet Blue is usually a 5 month window I think and Air Trans priced out about the same and I think the same window - when you do find out the best way to go - please post it so I can try your method too. We are going to bring DH's aunt down to FL with us to spend time with family down there and she is in MA...so either we go get her in MA and bring her back to Laconia or we just pick her up on the way to Boston.... I just get so stressed with the airport at BOS....although we would probably do a Park / sleep and fly deal

 

[outahere]

Welcome to the DIS!!

Finding inexpensive airfare during the April school vacation weeks is not easy. We went to MCO and did a 4 night cruise this year, during April vacation, and started looking for flights last Fall. The cheapest I could find was almost $800 per person!! We ended up cashing in frequent flier miles for our tickets.

The discount carriers (Jetblue, Southwest, etc.) usually release their dates about 6 - 7 months prior to that time period. To get the best fare, you will need to start checking the web sites at that time, and check them daily. Once the schedules come out, the cheapest fares book up very quickly (like within a day or less).

It looks like you're from NH, so you might want to keep on eye on Southwest from Manchester. Right now Southwest is open through October and Jetblue has their schedules (from Boston) posted through January.

Good Luck!!

 

[Sherrkel]

We live in Southern NH and generally use Boston as our airport - the flights out of Manchester are just not competitive in fares for the time we usually travel (last week of February, NH school vacations).
I know the last two weeks of February and April it is hard to find cheap flights (what is cheap these days? ). I can only comment on our experience a few years back we waited for SW to publish their Manchester (NH) fares to see if we could get anything better and convienent. Once they posted I was on the computer within an hour (I got stuck in a meeting at work!), but there were no discounted fares for Feb when we wanted to travel. By the time I went back to JetBlue out of Boston, their fares had jumped and we paid $350 RT NS.
I'm only relaying my story to you because I've heard it told by others in similar situations and waiting for an airline like SW to post discounted fares for heavy travel times just doesn't seem to happen.
IMO if you see a good fare on another airline, grab it, as long as it's something you're comfortable paying.

 

[mally29]

I am not familiar with traveling during peak times, but my best suggestion is to check all airports. We checked PVD, BOS, and MHT and got much better prices out of MHT with southwest...$800 less than southwest out of PVD and $1400 less than JetBlue out of BOS.

 

[brentalex]

I think you basically need to check the fares everyday. We will be flying to Orlando on April 17 and returning on the 26th. Delta will open the return date tomorrow. I have already been checking and the fares are about 800 roundtrip, although for Fri-Wed was down to 600 for a day or so. In 2006, for our last trip I was checking everyday to see rates. The flights were generally around 700 roundtrip and then for 2 days Delta had an unannounced sale and the cost went down to 300 roundtrip. Because I was looking everyday, I was able to get that price and saved a lot of money. I wil be doing the same thing now. As long as there are seats on the non stop flights I can wait to buy the tickets. If prices never go down, I will pay what I need, but hopefully I can catch a break.

 

[Darcy03231]

I live in Southern NH and check Manchester, Boston, Providence, Hartford and Portland, ME. I saved $200/pp once by flying out of Hartford (2 hours from my house). With 6 of us flying it was worth it to drive the 2 hours.

 

[brushnfloss]

Thanks, everyone, for the responses...I've been checking all these avenues, and so far Delta into BOS has it, but it's still more than I was hoping to pay. I've looked (and looked and looked and...) into many of the "discount airfare" sites, and when I go to book what looks like a good fare they all say something like "Sorry, but that flight is no longer available". Anyway, I'll keep checking.

 

[uva185]

Does anyone have any advice on getting the best fares?

I know its hard but the best advice is to wait a bit. While the fares are released the lowest fare sales are not usually released that far in advance.

By going to travelocity.com and doing a flexible date search you can see what dates the current "low fares" apply to. Usually its only about 3 months out.

 

[debster812]

I know its hard but the best advice is to wait a bit. While the fares are released the lowest fare sales are not usually released that far in advance.

By going to travelocity.com and doing a flexible date search you can see what dates the current "low fares" apply to. Usually its only about 3 months out.

Generally true, but in the OPs case, they are looking at travelling at a peak time out of New England. "Cheap" fares are fast becoming harder and harder to find, and add that to the fact that it's a high traffic week due to April School Vacation here in MA, the flights will be expensive.

I think the best advice is to set a price you're comfortable with, when you see it, buy it, and don't worry about it.

 

[Camster0307]

I know its hard but the best advice is to wait a bit. While the fares are released the lowest fare sales are not usually released that far in advance......

I don't think this is true with Delta. I don't typically travel the "peak" times either but can tell you that, in my experience, the cheapest tickets are when the flights are first opened up. We're going to WDW in early nov.; purchased our rt tix in Jan. for $237 a piece; those same flights are now $876!

 

[castlegazer]

WELCOME TO THE DIS brushnfloss!

You're on my cruise!!!!! Please come join us over at: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1727212

We're just getting started with a meet thread right now since it's so far out, and all but two people (very cool people I might add) are from MA or NE, so you will feel right at home!

Now as for airfares, believe it or not, you are not alone in your obsession. I am freaking out. In fact I am logging into the DIS after just checking travelocity and expedia. Our 330 day window is just opening up right now. You can book outbound but now inbound yet. It's up to Friday of our cruise, so in the next two days you will be able to book airlines such as Delta, NW, USAir, and American (who would want to do them, though?)

Airfare is looking like it is going to be a whopper, and I mean a whopper - It's showing me $400 - $900 roundtrip per person right now.

I am someone who has NEVER paid more than $140 roundtrip down to Florida because we always go on SW. I am panicking thinking I should just get airfare and be done with it, but at those prices, really, we would have to drive.

So, bottom line is, I am waiting. But with great trepidation.....

So please come chat, check in and visit as we wait for our awesome Western Caribbean Cruise

 

[CarolA]

Welcome to the DIS!

There are VERY few times I recommend booking as soon as fares are released.

President's Day week out of the NE is one (Remember everyone else wants to go someplace WARM too LOL!)

School holidays would be second ESPECIALLY if it's a major holiday in your area. So if it's Easter and every school district around is closed.... It's going to get tight!

When SW and/or JetBlue release if you can live with it BOOK. Don't assume there will be a sale unless you can be VERY flexible on dates/times! (as in not flying on the weekends!)

 

[uva185]

Generally true, but in the OPs case, they are looking at travelling at a peak time out of New England. "Cheap" fares are fast becoming harder and harder to find, and add that to the fact that it's a high traffic week due to April School Vacation here in MA, the flights will be expensive.

I think the best advice is to set a price you're comfortable with, when you see it, buy it, and don't worry about it.

I don't think this is true with Delta. I don't typically travel the "peak" times either but can tell you that, in my experience, the cheapest tickets are when the flights are first opened up. We're going to WDW in early nov.; purchased our rt tix in Jan. for $237 a piece; those same flights are now $876!

Guys I know it is tough to hold out especially when booking for an entire family but if you at least looked how long the current low fares were valid to you would see what I am talking about. There are TONS of sub $200 fares from MHT, and sub $250 fares from BOS....almost all the low fares from MHT are valid through 10/30 and the BOS fares are valid to various dates between now and 11/5.

I just priced out flights from MHT-MCO in the last week of October for $190 including taxes......same flights 1 week later are $322 including taxes.

Just use the flexible date search on travelocity to determine what fares are out there.

ADDED: I've never had a problem around school holidays but I do agree with CarolA about high demand holidays such as Presidents Weekend, Easter to a certain degree, and especially Thanksgiving.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

I have two ideas....one will probably raise the ire here...but I'll start with the logical one first.

Southwest flies from Manchester and Into Orlando. The BEST thing about Southwest is...it does not cancel flights and they are the strongest airline financially. They will be here in April and you can book with confidence knowing your flight will not disappear before April. Yes...I know-I know....the flights will not be open to book until later in the year.


Now for the suggestion some may not like....but hear me through.


I am making this suggestion because if crude oil prices remain about $100 p/barrel......flying options stand a very good chance of being quite different by April 2009.

I know it's more....but you WILL be secure and it will be someone else's worry.

Have you considered arranging your air schedule through Disney Cruise Line.....give them the headaches? They will be responsible for finding flights for you. They will even arrange custom flights.

Yes, I know this is more expensive.

The REAL reason I suggest it is......if there is a problem....they will fix it vs. you standing at the airport with your bags and a cancelled flight <--- as an example.

Years ago as a travel professional I had a family of 5 stay in the Roy Disney Suite....2 rooms at the GF but decided to save $35 p/psn and booked their own airfare....against my advice (traveling in Hurricane Season). Of course, this was the cruise where the ship way delayed returning to port and they missed their flight.

They had to find a hotel for the night......find a flight the next day....and were not happy. Guests with Disney arranged airfare who could not make their flights were taken back to WDW - free room and tickets for the night while Disney rescheduled their flights home the next day.

Yes, it is more expensive and yes.....we all hope things in the airline business calm down by April.

If they don't we could all be looking at the New World of Air Travel....and it may not be pretty.

Ok.....flame ahead....I'm brave.

It was just something to think about for peace of mind.

 

[CarolA]

I think you have some good points. I am not going to flame.

Things are very dynamic in the airline industry right now and that flight you book today could easily be changed regardless of the finanical state of the airline. IMHO one of the great things about SW is once they release the schedule they really intend to fly it!

And if I was cutting it close on a cruise I would let them do the airfare. I generally give myself a day or two..... but if I was flying in that day... Make Disney responsible. They will then get you to the ship (or hold the ship!) On my last cruise we held for about an hour while we waited on a late flight. Right before the bus showed up one last towncar came flying in!!! They had been on that same flight and were racing the bus because they KNEW once the bus loaded the boat was leaving. Not the kind of stress I need LOL!

 

[Darcy03231]

And if I was cutting it close on a cruise I would let them do the airfare. I generally give myself a day or two..... but if I was flying in that day... Make Disney responsible. They will then get you to the ship (or hold the ship!) On my last cruise we held for about an hour while we waited on a late flight. Right before the bus showed up one last towncar came flying in!!! They had been on that same flight and were racing the bus because they KNEW once the bus loaded the boat was leaving. Not the kind of stress I need LOL!

Actually, I've seen posts by some very upset people on cruise chat boards about paying more to book their air through Disney, Carnival, RCCL, etc. beleiving that they will either hold the ship for them or get them to the next port. For whatever reason their flights were delayed, cancelled, etc. and none of the companies was any help in either getting them on another flight or getting them to the ship. In once instance in particular that I can think of right now the people got to the port just as the ship was pulling away. The cruise company did not fly them to the next port and they didn't purchase trip insurance. They were out the cost of their entire cruise as they opted not to pay to get themselves to the next port.

When cruising I always arrive a day or two before the cruise to give myself plenty of time in case something goes wrong. I also like to book my return the day after the cruise returns, just in case the ship is gets back to port late (which has happened to me).

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

Actually, I've seen posts by some very upset people on cruise chat boards about paying more to book their air through Disney, Carnival, RCCL, etc. beleiving that they will either hold the ship for them or get them to the next port. For whatever reason their flights were delayed, cancelled, etc. and none of the companies was any help in either getting them on another flight or getting them to the ship. In once instance in particular that I can think of right now the people got to the port just as the ship was pulling away. The cruise company did not fly them to the next port and they didn't purchase trip insurance. They were out the cost of their entire cruise as they opted not to pay to get themselves to the next port.

When cruising I always arrive a day or two before the cruise to give myself plenty of time in case something goes wrong. I also like to book my return the day after the cruise returns, just in case the ship is gets back to port late (which has happened to me).

I'm not sure about DCL anymore...but I am VERY sure about Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean was one of my favorites in my travel agent days and I have many RCI friends to this day. We cruised with RCI the last two summers and were married on the Radiance of the Seas.

They DO hold the boats as long as they can (and it costs many thousands of dollars an hour to reschedule tugs and overtime for longshoremen,etc.) - they held the Radiance on BOTH of our sailings.

More so - a couple (and I blame the TA for this one) departed from Ft. Lauderdale the day the Radiance was sailing from SEWARD ALASKA (How stupid was THAT?). Needless to say - they missed the ship. Next day was at sea cruisng Hubbard Glacier.

RCI arranged for a hotel in Anchorage - flew them to Skagway and arranged for their hotel at that stay as well.

RCI air/sea department will stand on their heads for guests....it is "beaten" into every employee........which is good news for the guests.

They are some of the best.



I agree with an earlier posting ------ you never want to see the back of your cruiseship as it sails out of port. Arrive a day ahead. You are more rested and far less stressed.

 

[brushnfloss]

So, once again, I've waited until the witching hour has passed and can check out another day's fares...same ol', same ol'. I typically would fly SW from MHT to MCO and back, but I'm thinking about trying Air Tran or Jet Blue out of BOS...that is, if I don't have a nervous heart attack trying to hold off on just getting the tix and getting it over with! Thanks for all the feedback and the warm welcomes!