October Vacation ... when to purchase airfare?

[DznyDreamer]

HELP! I need some advice from all you well-traveled DISers. Our family of 4 is cruising DCL on 10-23-04. I haven't bought airfare yet ... probably looking at Milwaukee to MCO on 10-22-04 morning and return on 10-30-04 after noon sometime.

I understand it's pretty hit or miss, but can anyone tell me when is my best shot at getting a deal? Do most of you purchase your airfare far far ahead or wait? With gas prices going up, I'm getting a little nervous.

Also, I'd appreciate any tidbits of info regarding if it's generally cheaper to book online (e.g. Orbitz) or go through the airline directly.

Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated! You guys are the BEST! Thanks!

 

[momsully]

I have a price target in mind and jump on a good airfare when I see it. Delta has some great deals today. We got $147 round trip to Denver including all taxes and fees. I know folks got the same fare from other airports as well. Check on Orbitz as well as the airline sites.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

Have you checked Airtran? They are having a sale right now.

 

[JC Butterfly]

I would start checking now. Check a site like expedia or travelocity if you are open to any airline or check your favorite airline's site if you have someone in mind. I fly out of Madison and usually consider anything around the $200 mark to Orlando a decent deal. So I knew that when I booked my flights for $150 each for my upcoming May trip in December that it was a great deal.

I booked my October trip for this year last October. It is a decent rate. I've seen a couple of better ones come since then, but only about $30 cheaper plus I got to book the times that I wanted. Early morning departure 6:00 a.m. and arrival at 11:00 a.m. don't like to waste my time in the airport.

So since you are planning on flying out the day before your cruise, you have some flexibility if things get delayed or the fact you don't HAVE to arrive in Orlando at a specific time but your dates aren't flexible so I would start to get a sense of what range you are willing to pay and be happy with.

Also, not sure if you want to add an extra drive on to your trip but sometimes I can find flights out of Chicago for $130. It's pretty rare that the dates work out for me and I like the convenience of being dropped off in my own town, but it is an option.

Brenda

 

[Dznypal]

I checked Midwest on Sun and they were $177 RT from MKE to MCO on Oct 12-19.

Then I don't know how this happened but I got a ticket from my mom that she couldn't use and paid the fee to have the name changed and then bought my ticket which I was only charged $67!!!!!!
(but thats a whole another story how that happened!!!)

and I though the $177 was good!!

by the way we got terrific times leave MKW 725 am arrive 1100am leave MCO 650 arrive 840pm


I cant wait!!!

good luck