Playing Chicken with Southwest

[ProudMommyof2]

I am going from Prov, RI to WDW on 5/13. Prices seem quite high right now. Should I continue to wait, or am I unduly risking higher fares. A friend recently told me she thought Orlando was the destination of the month in March for Southwest. Any input?
Pam

 

[Ariel Wanna-be]

I have no advice, but I am doing the same thing as you. I need flights for 5/17 and 5/26, and the fares are too high right now...

 

[Luckymommyx2]

I'm doing a bit of both! I went ahead and booked my return flight with my credit because the interent "special" fares of $79 are almost booked. The flight down is still quite open so I'm waiting.
I'm trying to be patient but what really gets me is that Philly dropped to $49 each way and BWI--who is ALWAYS lower--is still at $79!?! I'm hanging in there but it's frustrating!!
As long as your flights are filling up I'd wait. JMO. Good luck!

 

[JENNYMAY]

I am also watching SWA.I am flying out of Htfd. I would think they will have to get cheaper eventually?? Right now $158.00 each way!!!
Delta is cheaper but not good flight times. I can't figure out how you all check to see how many seats are left on SWA?? I can figure out how to do it with Delta flights, but don't see how you do it with SWA??

Thank you!

 

[Mommy Poppins]

We just found out that DH is going to a conference in Orlando in May. I'm now trying to make it into a family trip. We could fly out of Philadelphia, but BWI is closer and easier to navigate.

Does any know, if I book the $49 flights out of Philadelphia and then the Baltimore flights are lowered to $49, can I change or will there be a drastic change fee. I've heard a lot of people talking about how Southwest will give you a credit back, etc., but will they allow me to change the origination of my flights without a change fee?

 

[keishashadow]

I'm hovering @ the $150 mark myself, get a queasy stomach when I think about it (which is far too many times/day ).

Watching the AT $99 fares slowly disappear too.

Think I may bail & bank the SW to use in Dec.

 

[Luckymommyx2]

We just found out that DH is going to a conference in Orlando in May. I'm now trying to make it into a family trip. We could fly out of Philadelphia, but BWI is closer and easier to navigate.

Does any know, if I book the $49 flights out of Philadelphia and then the Baltimore flights are lowered to $49, can I change or will there be a drastic change fee. I've heard a lot of people talking about how Southwest will give you a credit back, etc., but will they allow me to change the origination of my flights without a change fee?

That's the way we are...we could fly out of PHL but BWI is closer and has more flights available. You can go ahead and book PHL and if BWI drops you cancel the PHL and book BWI. The great thing about SWA is that there are no fees involved! I would do that but I have already booked three Rapid Rewards for the rest of the family and I don't want to try to switch those back and forth because they are more limited in their availability. Good luck!

 

[Luckymommyx2]

I am also watching SWA.I am flying out of Htfd. I would think they will have to get cheaper eventually?? Right now $158.00 each way!!!
Delta is cheaper but not good flight times. I can't figure out how you all check to see how many seats are left on SWA?? I can figure out how to do it with Delta flights, but don't see how you do it with SWA??

Thank you!

You can't tell how many seats are left exactly but I usually start at booking 8 (the most you can book at one time.) If it's still completely available I don't worry but once it starts dropping below I go ahead and book. Just play around with the Book Air and do mock reservations. I hope this makes sense.

 

[travelin' tigger]

I'd like to go May 11-15, but RT is $276 right now - a little more than I'm used to paying. Hoping the rumors on the DIS are correct for a sale starting around March 8th...

 

[famfab5]

I'm freaking out a little regarding SW and fares. I am booked for the way down but still have the way home yet to book. Right now it is at 148.00 for Sunday the 20th. It wouldn't be such a big deal but I am booking for other family members as well...I am hoping for good news on March 8th.

 

[Jennyvelaz]

Count me in!

 

[ptrbryant]

For the past few years, the low $39/$49 fares from Nashville to Orlando have always shown up in March during SWA's Florida Fare Sale. The current sale ends, I believe, on March 8th, so I'm going to be watching closely after that. I booked $49 between Nashville and Tampa for May 13, returning on May 21, but if Orlando opens up, I'll switch it over.

I would certainly think there's a VERY good chance of better fares coming this month for May.

Karla B.

 

[Lewisc]

"Playing chicken" works if you're flexible with your flights. You're willing to leave a day or two earlier/later and are willing to accept a connecting flight.

It doesn't always work if you want the first N/S flight on a Saturday morning.

 

[jadejazzkayla]

Count me in. I'm looking at PVD or BDL. I've never played "chicken" before. It's kind of fun and scary at the same time.

I'll probably post if it works out but be too grumbly to if it doesn't!

 

[bubba's mom]

Think I may bail & bank the SW to use in Dec.

Still have my fingers crossed for you....Mar. 8th is the last day to book SW out of PHL, so maybe the rate or airport will change. Keep me posted....I'm hoping you don't bail........*mummy dust*

 

[firsttimer03]

We are in the same boat.
We could make the 12 hour drive or drive 1 3/4 of an hour to Nashville and fly to MCO. We are planning on driving but if I happen upon $39 one way fares then we'll be flying!!!
Last year we booked cheap flights to Tampa and rented a car from there, for $39 flights it was worth it.
My DMIL bought us $100 vouchers for Southwest airlines so that will help out, I just can't bear to pay such high fares!
I'm one to hold out for a bargain!
Good luck to you all.
Also, here's a tip you may already know, download DING from Southwest.com and sign up for email specials.
~Robin