PIT-MCO should I expect to pay more than in the past?

[kmc33]

The flights we want for end Jan/early Feb are $206 with taxes (If we could take a flight earlier in the day, it would be $178, but we want a Fri evening flight). I checked available seats and the flights are wide open right now.

In the past, I have gotten flights for $158 and $178. Originally, I was going to wait a litttle longer to see if the fare goes lower. But I am starting to think we won't see that this year because of fuel prices. And maybe it could even go higher.



Any insights?! Thanks!!

 

[CarolA]

Airlines (including SW) have inched up the prices a few dollars at a time over the past months due to fuel. (Plus USAir is not having as many fire sales now that they are stable)

While it is hard to say that you might not get a sale, if you are not flexible on times then you might want to book. Friday evening flights tradiationally sell out faster due to a combination of business travelers wanting to get home and vactioners wanting to get an early start.

 

[safetymom]

I agree with CarolA. I doubt you will see many sales. They have also dropped a lot of flights so if you find a flight you like book it. The flights are a lot more crowded than they used to be.

 

[kmc33]

Thank you both for the advice. I did go ahead and book it last night. Since we were not flexible with our dates and really wanted specific flights, it seemed to make the most sense.

I'll watch the fare and if it drops I can get vouchers issued. Then I guess we will just have to plan another trip!

 

[DebbieB]

I live in Pittsburgh and watch the fares. I doubt we're going to see fares that low again. I paid $135 for Air Tran for 12/04, then it was $186 for 3/05, then $201 for 5/05. Shortly after I booked my May trip in late February, it skyrocketed to $600! I've been watching for late Nov, Air Tran is close to $300! USAir is $206. SW is not out yet. I had hoped SW would drive the prices down but it doesn't seem to have happened. My Air Tran flights were full, so they aren't bringing prices down.