Question for the Air Fare Experts!

[disney's daughter]

We are planning (between 9-12 people) to go to Disney in February...either leaving the 19th in the evening or the 20th in the early morning and returning the 26th....Right now...there is a hundred dollar difference per person between leaving from our "home" airport...MBS Airport or an hour + away...Bishop Airport. Air Tran's prices haven't come out yet, of course...but they would only leave from the Bishop Airport....Do you think the prices will just continue to climb ....and we should grab the $245.00 round trip from Bishop (compared to the $356.00 round trip from MBS) now...or continue to wait until Air Trans prices come out and hope for the prices to come down? I know February is a long time from now...but I was hoping somebody might have ideas on this...

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

It is honestly impossible to know what air fares will be for next February. You can make sure to purchase tickets from an airline which will give you a credit if prices decrease before your trip.

 

[lampy]

We are in the same boat as you. I am waiting for AirTran and Allegiant - in Lansing, to release their schedules.

I have always booked by now for next springbreak but prices seem a little high and want to change from NWA.

If you feel comfortable with your price book now though. I doubt you will find anything less out of MBS.

 

[disney's daughter]

Thanks! I think we may try to wait a bit more to see...Crossing our fingers the prices at least stay the same...if not ...come down a bit more.

 

[erikthewise]

While we're waiting for the experts...

it seems a little early to be buying tickets for February. Since I'm an Airtran fan anyway, I would encourage you to at least wait until their fares come out. Hint: they are unlikely to be significantly different from the January fares when first posted.

Every airport and time of year is different, but my experience has been that the best prices are available 3-4 months out. Airtran typically has whatever sale they're going to have in that time period. Of course if sales are already strong for your dates, they won't have one...

The key is "Eternal Vigilence". Once you get within 6 months, check fares several times a week.

 

[Esmerelda]

While I'm certainly no expert....I have traveled a great deal. My observation is that airfare is usually the best about 2-3 months before travel time.

As an example...I got married last year in May. We flew to Miami to board a cruise ship. We wanted to go first class (this is not how I normally fly). The airfare about 6 months out was running well over $1,000 a seat. I waited until March and caught a great first class air on American for about $620 RT each. We paid for two what one would have cost us earlier.

My upcoming July trip to Disney I bought for in late April. I kept watching the fare finder on Bestfares (as I did with the above scenario also). I found RT per person $121 on US Air...that means 4 tickets cost me right at $500.

Personally I think buying them too far out is a disadvantage.

It pays to do your homework.

best of luck,
Esmerelda

 

[disney's daughter]

You guys are great! See THIS why I love the DIS FORUMS!!! I am going to WAIT and WATCH those prices......!!!

 

[PURTYPAT1]

I agree with you all 100% except when it comes to holiday travel, which is what disney'sdaughter is flying. She is flying Presidents week, which is one of the busiest times of the year to fly.

I would look at airtrans for this fare daily, because it's a holiday, the cheaper fares will sell out ASAP. I feel like booking in feb, is like playing Russian rulet.

I fly every year President's week. I am very grateful, if I get a fare, in the ball park of 200.00 round trip.

Hope this helps.

 

[erikthewise]

Sorry. Since I don't get President's day off, it didn't occur to me.