Need help with pricing!!!!

[aplejax76]

We have always driven down to Disney. We usually go in the summer.This year we are thinking of end of Sept. beginning Oct. We want to take the kids out of school so driving would take too long.

It will be dh,ds (6,6,8)and me.We want to fly out of philly . I have some questions.

What are decent prices for that time frame?
When should you book?
Where are the places to look for deals?

Any advice would be appreciated! TIA

 

[helenk]

Flying out of Phila gives you several choices, UsAir, Airtran and Southwest all have non stop flights to Orlando.
The best price I've gotten was just this year for $123.00 RT on UsAir, one year I paid $225.00 on Airtran and that is the highest I've paid.
Right now only UsAir has their schedule available for your dates, Airtran only goes to the end of September and Southwest goes to June 9th.
The best thing to do is to visit each of the airlines websites, check on your dates, if you are able to play with your dates you may find a better rate. The one thing I like about Airtran is that you can put in more than one date, you can chose a day or two before or after your date and it will give you those prices as well. Southwest lists each of the fares for your dates and it is easy to change the dates to see if you can get a better rate on a different day. With Usair you can book using price but you do not have as much flexability as the other website to change dates and times.
I am going to WDW in May and we are flying Airtran, my rate is $176.40 RT with taxes and fees included.

 

[poohstx]

I'm a bit partial to Southwest, but they have come through for me every year for September fares around $115 R/T. This is primarily due to the decrease in traffic after Sept 1 and the need to fill those planes. When the window opens book your flights on Southwest and then rebook them at no extra charge if special fares come out....that's what I really like about Southwest.

 

[aplejax76]

Thank you helenk and poohstx!!!!!! If I fly SW will I be able to sit with my kids? There seems to be something different about boarding with SW. Can someone explain? Again Thank You soooooooo much!

 

[helenk]

The one bad thing about Southwest is that they do not have assigned seats, this does not bother us as my children are 18 and 23 so if we do not get seats together it is no big deal. However, if you check in 24 hours ahead of time you get an "A" boarding pass which will allow you to board after all the Pre-boarders (people with disabilities and families with children under 4), when you are in WDW you can get the resort to do this for you before you leave, or if you use Magical Express you generally get to the airport early enough to get the "A" boarding pass when checking in.

 

[drise]

Another vote for SW. You can book a flight and if the fare goes down, rebook and they'll give you a credit for the difference. Go to their website and sign up for the ding! fares. We've flown Phl to MCo for $90 r/t in June and now Jan. I have a question for you, in March we're going to WDW and cruise and so far SW doesn't have good return fares. With the cost of a van rental we're thinking of driving. How long does it take from Philly? And do you stop?

 

[aplejax76]

DRISE, sorry it took so long to post!!!! Driving from Philly takes about 22 hrs. Taking into account breaks. We also stop 2 times because we generally leave around 5 pm. Drive about 6 hours. Stop for the night. Get up early then we stop in Savannah, GA. From there it is about 6 hours to disney. I must say that I do like driving. It really is not that bad. If you have any other questions I would be happy to answer them.