Need help - last minute change to flying

[Disneycrazymom]

We have had a major disaster occur in our house - a pipe broke while we were out of town over Memorial Day. Water everywhere. We can't live there - probably won't be able to move back in for about 5 weeks. Lesson here is:

TURN OFF THE MAIN WATER VALVE IN YOUR HOUSE BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOR VACATION!

Anyway we are trying to salvage some of the trip for the kids. We had planned to drive but don't want to take the extra days to do that now. I am hopeful my Dis friends can help me find a good airfare from StL to MCO for next week. An impossible task for anyone BUT a group of Dissers! There were great fares under ($200) a month ago when we decided to drive but they are gone now. Is there any chance they will drop right before?

Thanks everyone.

 

[grimley1968]

The answer greatly depends on what days you're talking about travelling. Even on Southwest, I see a low of $89 for a one-way far from St. Louis to MCO, up to a high of about $250 for a one-way fare, depending if you could travel on a Wednesday versus travelling on a weekend. You might check other airlines via priceline, travelocity, etc.

I'm so sorry your pipe burst. We had that happen a few years ago when our main burst in our finished basement. It was a huge mess and an even bigger insurance claim.

But I have to disagree slightly with the lesson: I don't think it's a good idea to turn off water at the main for lengthy periods of time. The reason is (and I've been told this by plumbers after our disaster) that cutting off water to the rest of the house can dry out joints, faucets, etc., causing them to crack a little bit every time you do that, leading to a burst pipe further inside the house later on, or possibly many of them. The reason for our burst water main is that there were cheap plastic pieces within the main that failed. When the plumber replaced the main, he used solid copper throughout and welded anything that needed to be connected to the main. We've not had a problem since, and have not needed to cut the main off except for when we've had work done with the plumbing.

 

[Missytara]

I have been noticing a trend on the Airtran site since I have been checking the prices for my trip in December. I finally booked it today.

It appears as though the fares go up Friday through Monday and go down Tuesday thru Thursday. Guess people naturally are drawn to book more flights on those days and don't think about it during the middle of the week.

Also, I am in facilities management, and the last thing you want to do is totally turn off the water in your house; you will cause more damage by doing so.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Thanks for advise. all I know about the water is the Service Master people and my ins agent said it would have not happened if the main valve to the house had been turned off. It sounds like you guys know more about this stuff than me. I know I have a big mess to deal with and can't live in my house for the next 4 -6 weeks.