President's week airfare is high!

[musicmom3]

I am trying to fly out of NYC on Feb 19 to see my daughter march with her HS band at WDW (and then we planned to stay a few days at WL). I have checked every airline individually, along with Sidestep (I think it's called), Orbitz, and Travelocity. I am absolutely stunned by the airfare prices. I have read the advice about buying now for that week...but I can't bring myself to pay so much for two round-trip fares and the one-way to bring my marching bander home. So here is my somewhat technical question. Is there a finite number of plane seats available on any given day? In other words, can airlines add planes (or substitute bigger planes with more seats) according to need? If there is a finite number of seats, I guess this is the bad news and I had better buy my seats now just to make sure I get something. If more seats can be added, maybe I will take a chance and wait. I know I am grasping at straws here...but I am trying to find some logic to cling to to make my decision before I plunk down my credit card. Thanks to anybody who can help!

 

[Rpsemont]

We have gone the last two years Pres week, so I monitor that week pretty religiously. In general, I have seen no deals for flying on Friday, Sat or Sun of that weekend. (or the weekend after to come home) However, it you watch it constantly, after SWA opens their schedule you may be able to find a discounted flight if you fly down on Thursday or Monday. If you fly back Wed or Thursday of that week, again, I think, you can probably get a special. Last year, when SWA first opened up their flights (right around this time) there seemed to be no cheap seats available. However, within a week, I booked us at about $220 RT (this is from Hartford) and in early October, there was a sale and I reduced that to $186RT. If your daughter is actually performing on that weekend, You'll probably just have to resign yourself to paying the higher fares. BTW, many of these flights do sell out completely, with no availability at any price, but I would think you have a couple months still before you have to worry about that.

 

[fac]

Rpsemont,

thank you for the detailed explanation, I have been thinking about the possibility of a trip for that week as well. I guess I will plan something different.

 

[kilee]

From our area last year you couldn't even touch SW for under $300 RT unless you booked immediately upon release of the schedule. Even then the flights sold out pretty quickly.

 

[Ludwig Von Drake]

has a sale to MCO for $99 each way for Predident's week. See their web site www.flyi.com for details.