Purchasing plane ticket question

[hugo]

Wife and I are headed down for marathon weekend in January. We will fly out of new orleans. Right now I can book two tickets for $357 through delta with an hour layover in Atlanta. Southwest does not have thier schedule and fares out that far yet. Thry have direct flights. should I book the flights now with delta or wait on Southwest. Will the cost be any cheaper with southwest?

 

[Lvsdisney]

I think the general rule on airfare is, if you're willing to pay that price, then book it. Airfare jumps up anddown so often, it's hard to know when the best price will be offered and by which provider. There are apps and sites that'll track airfares also, if you're feeling like you can get it cheaper down the line.
Always remember to factor in luggage fees when comparing airfare to SW since they don't charge.
FWIW, My airfare in January from PHL with AA was cheaper than what SW offered. Plus I liked the times better.

 

[teller80]

I just came across this yesterday:

https://www.cheapair.com/blog/cheapair-news/the-best-time-to-buy-a-flight-is-54-days-out-or-is-it/

and:

https://www.cheapair.com/blog/trave...ance-should-you-book-an-international-flight/

 

[bcarey2k]

We also fly out of MSY and Southwest has always been cheaper (not always by much)

And direct.

Brian

 

[pjlla]

Honestly, sometimes it is more about SCHEDULE than price. If i have a really limited schedule and need/desire to travel at very specific times, I usually book as soon as I can at the best price available (unless it is out of my budget). If my travel times are more flexible, I will usually wait for SWA to open their dates....not that they are always the lowest, but it gives me more options and it sometimes makes the other airlines prices drop a bit. So if your schedule is tight and the flights you find work well, I'd pop on it. .....P

 

[brittanidp]

Southwest releases their flights on the 19th so it's not that far away.

 

[hugo]

We also fly out of MSY and Southwest has always been cheaper (not always by much)

And direct.

Brian

Do you know how much you normally pay for these flights. I'm ok with the price for delta. But if I can get a straight flight for the same or cheaper I would rather do that.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Please note that you really want a nonstop flight, not a direct flight. A direct flight has stops.

 

[bcarey2k]

Do you know how much you normally pay for these flights. I'm ok with the price for delta. But if I can get a straight flight for the same or cheaper I would rather do that.

The direct and non-stop flights from MSY-MCO are $150/$200 pp each way .... so around $300/400 each for your round trip .... and you won't pay for luggage ... and (usually) they run on time since they basically just go back and forth.

Brian