Question for Philly fare watchers

[Tara]

My MIL is joining us at WDW in late August and I'm helping her with her travel arrangements. Southwest flights are running at $98 OW for most flights on our travel days (8/27-9/1) but $198 for the flight home she really wants. Continental and USAirways are both running about $200 with tax. She's sure to check a bag, but I'd have to ask about her status with US - she might have it and be able to check for free. But she does like Southwest, too.

Anyhow...since I don't watch PHL fares, I don't know if this is on the high side or not. And Bing's fare predictor says buy now, that fares will steadily increase. So what do you Philly fliers think - should I tell her to hold out just a bit? (I know - buy when you get a fare you like and no one can predict the future...I'm just wondering what a qualifies as a "good" Southwest fare out of Philly these days.)

 

[pamjb]

I booked our tickets for October on 3/23. They were $105 each way. Last week they dropped to $98 each way. I have seen PHL-MCO dings for $78 each way for May.
The $98 is a great deal, but the $198 for the return is HIGH, but that might be because of the holiday. At least with SW, if the fare comes down, you can get a credit to use. Since it looks like they are all about the same, I would book SW.

 

[kazfloyd]

I think the rates are much higher this year. I have paid $79 and $89 each way the past 2 years coming and going through Southwest. I haven't booked my airfare this year yet, I was hoping they would come down for our dates. I keep checking other airlines too. Airtran is running about $10 cheaper for our dates and times, however; you have to pay for your bags.

 

[kaytieedid]

Last year for September travel PHL - MCO I got $59.00 each way. This year we're traveling in October and I booked the outbound for $98.00. Our inbound dates aren't for sale yet, but I'm definitely doing Southwest. I am a USairways frequent flier and would love the miles but I refuse to pay $25.00 per bag or whatever it is unless their fare is $25.00 less each way than southwest.

 

[DeadHead]

From watching the fares lately from PHL, it's a good fare.