Obsessing about flights and fares

[Sandi]

We're going to WDW in February (2/11 through 2/18). Can't play with the dates too much. Lowest fares from Lansing, MI are in the $400 range. They were around $325 early last month; I waited and now the price is higher. I don't want to drive to Detroit because the weather is unpredictable in February and it's just a hassle. Surrounding airports (Flint, Grand Rapids) are priced just as bad. I found a United flight for about $388 and I'm about ready to purchase (of course, they changed the itinerary just since two days ago). I have never paid that much before and feel kind of foolish spending that much money -- I'll feel worse if the price keeps going up.

Anyone in my boat? I thought that if Southwest would release for my time range I might reconsider my feelings about driving to Detroit, but how long to wait?

 

[vacanut]

We went this time last year its the week before Presidents Day and school vacations you should be able to get a good rate, our airfare was very low and it was a good time to visit the crowds were light.

 

[stage manager]

I personnally wouldn't buy a Feb fare right now unless there was a sale. I would be patient for about another month, but that is me. I gamble with airfares. SWA will put out their Feb fares soon, surely. The best thing you can do is check daily. And while the weather is a factor, check DTW as well, it might make it worth it on some airline other than SWA.

 

[Sandi]

We've gone this particular week for several years and have never paid more than about $230 for perfect flight times. This year it just seems different. It's strange, too, because TUG is giving 8s for crowd level. Yuck.

I'll probably gamble a bit longer. I think DH would just as soon I buy so that I quit obsessing.

 

[beccasmom]

The price seems high to me as well. We went last February (beginning of the month) and paid something in $130 range per person on USAirways. Fares this year may not be as low given the energy situation, but should still be pretty competitive. I would personally wait at least a few weeks. SWA fares should be available then and I would bet they will be pretty decent.

 

[Fire14]

have you looked into alginair or whatever it's called? I know what you mean about weather in MI. I'm still living down last NOV.

 

[Sandi]

Yup, checked Allegiant and they are at $413 for that time frame (would need to go the night before and return either a day earlier or a day later -- they don't fly Lansing on Saturdays). While it's a direct flight to Sanford, I wouldn't be able to use ME (which we LOVE -- worked great in July), so that would add extra cost to get transportation to the resort.

 

[Fire14]

Yup, checked Allegiant and they are at $413 for that time frame (would need to go the night before and return either a day earlier or a day later -- they don't fly Lansing on Saturdays). While it's a direct flight to Sanford, I wouldn't be able to use ME (which we LOVE -- worked great in July), so that would add extra cost to get transportation to the resort.

Ok sorry it dosesn't work for you.

 

[Joan S.]

We're going to WDW in February (2/11 through 2/18). Can't play with the dates too much. Lowest fares from Lansing, MI are in the $400 range. They were around $325 early last month; I waited and now the price is higher. I don't want to drive to Detroit because the weather is unpredictable in February and it's just a hassle. Surrounding airports (Flint, Grand Rapids) are priced just as bad. I found a United flight for about $388 and I'm about ready to purchase (of course, they changed the itinerary just since two days ago). I have never paid that much before and feel kind of foolish spending that much money -- I'll feel worse if the price keeps going up.

Anyone in my boat? I thought that if Southwest would release for my time range I might reconsider my feelings about driving to Detroit, but how long to wait?

Hi Sandi, There are quite a few of us here waiting patiently for SWA to release the dates for Pres. Week. I think you should wait and see what they will offer for your dates. I am looking for Feb.15-25, and it is the Sat.the 25th I anticipate problems (poor times,high fares)with. I do not think I will have a problem with flying out on the 15th(it is a Wednesday). Joan

 

[Pinnie]

I was looking to fly from DTW to MCO Presidents' day weekend and all they had left for the day and time I needed was first class seats at $1300 each. With nothing much left in coach and NWA combining flights due to filing Chapter 11, I decided to cancel my Feb trip. SPIRIT was coming in at over $600 and AirTran at nearly $700. I know SWA hasn't posted it's late Feb schedule yet, but I am going to bet their fares are going to be in the $400+ r/t range that weekend.

pinnie

 

[Brian Noble]

This year it just seems different.

You can say that again. Last year, I managed to get sub-200 RT from DTW on direct flights for President's Week, purchased in September. This year, they *never* went under $225---and that was much earlier (early August) and only for the need-six-cups-of-coffee early-morning flights on both ends.

Right now they are sky high on Spirit, AirTran, and NWA, though Spirit has come down some to $300 or so for a couple times. I think you'll have to decide whether you want to risk the drive, or just buy now. Depending on how many people you are talking about, a park-n-fly rate near DTW the night before could work well for you.

Pinnie: you might want to check the NW rates again; for some reason recently they only had P fares published, but B fares seem to be back.

 

[TAKitty]

Out of Detroit Metro I am paying 117 round trip in December. I checked Lansing because it is only 20 minutes from my house, but the prices were 200 more! Remember, the Detroit area never gets as much snow as the Western part of the state.