MSP flyers--how soon to book Sun Country?

[disneymom3]

We are seriously thinking about flying to Orlando for our next trip. We like to drive and don't love to fly, but the van we currently have may not be a good fit for that long of a trip. So, I am checking out airfares to determine budget.

Right now, I am seeing fares of approx $217 before taxes adn fees on Sun Country. Seems like a darn good fare to me, but do you think it will get significantly better? This is flying out in Feb on a Friday or Sat and returning on Sun or Mon a week later. There is about a $20 pp variance in the fare depending on day. Nonstop is the only option so it's either Sun Country or Northwest and in order to get an early morning departure flight, it is well over $300 on NWA.

So any ideas on how soon I should book? We haven't flown to Orlando in several years.

 

[kjs1976]

I would take it!

In my experience, anything under $220 with NWA or Sun Country direct is unbeatable...especially if they fit your schedule. The cheapest I've gotten on NWA direct was $226 and this year we paid $232.70 and I never saw it dip below that. Once we flew direct, we couldn't go back!!!

We love Sun Country and NWA...never had a problem on each. What I like about Sun Country is that when the flights changed times, someone personally called us to let us know. Can't beat that service, plus an actual snack or sandwich on each flight!

 

[MNSusan]

I'd book it. The only gotcha with SunCountry is the tickets really are nonrefundable. If you see a lower fare, they won't refund the difference like NWA will. If you're happy with the fare, buy the tickets and forget about it.

You could also wait and see what AirTran fares are but they won't be out for a few months.

 

[dudspizza]

I personally would sit a bit. The cost won't be that much higher. I paid 206.50 all included for my June flights. $200 is a good price, in my mind.

Sun Country has had a code for buy 2 get the third for free in the St. Paul Winter Carnival button info that last few years. We actually flew to MCO last August for 134.89 all included... and that was for 10 people.

I would wait a few months to see how prices go, but that is my opinion. If you find a price you can live with, go for it. If it seems too high, then wait a bit, you have time.

JMHO. Duds

 

[disneymom3]

Winter Carnival won't help too much as I would need to be flying two weeks later, but that is good to know in case I want to go visit my mom next summer. Which I will want to do and maybe I will manage to take the kids with me.

Does AirTran fly nonstop to MCO? No way are we doing a layover! I am going to watch the fares and wait a little bit. No choice really, as I need to wait until this house that my clients have an offer in on closes to buy the tickets anyway. (fingers crossed, fingers crossed! It's gotta be finalized soon!)

 

[dudspizza]

Airtran offers 1 ns each way. It is a mid afternoon departure for MCO... return flight to MSP is around 1100am.

The winter carnival button goes on sale Dec. 1, so that would give you a few months... just a thought.

Duds

 

[CarolMN]

Airtran offers 1 ns each way. It is a mid afternoon departure for MCO... return flight to MSP is around 1100am.

The winter carnival button goes on sale Dec. 1, so that would give you a few months... just a thought.

Duds

Duds - Re the winter carnival button - did you have to fly before a certain date to take advantage of the offer? Wondering if it would work for a December 2006 trip. (I know the offer could change or not be offered for the next Carnival).

Thanks

 

[disneymom3]

Airtran offers 1 ns each way. It is a mid afternoon departure for MCO... return flight to MSP is around 1100am.

The winter carnival button goes on sale Dec. 1, so that would give you a few months... just a thought.

Duds

Thanks I will have to keep an eye on that then!

 

[dudspizza]

Duds - Re the winter carnival button - did you have to fly before a certain date to take advantage of the offer? Wondering if it would work for a December 2006 trip. (I know the offer could change or not be offered for the next Carnival).

Thanks

Flights had to be purchased by March 1st and could be booked through Dec 31st. They did have blackout dates, so you would have to call once the button comes out.

I will get the code if you don't buy a button and PM you. OF course, we are talking 6 months from now, if they offer it! LOL

Duds

 

[MickeyMagic]

Does anyone know historically which dates were blacked out for the Sun Country Winter Carnival promotion? I hate to wait for this promo only to find that spring break dates are blacked out (planning to go around 3-24 to 4-3-06).