Quick Airfare ?

[Mousin' Around]

We are thinking about making another trip right after Thanksgiving. I am looking at American Airlines and I see so very many seats available. Do people generally not book flights until very close to their trip (within 30 days)? The reason I am asking is there is a few early flights I am looking at, but I am concerned they will be canceled because they are not filling up. It is 2 months and 3 weeks from now. I figured flights would be full.

 

[Mousin' Around]

Also forgot to mention, the prices have been good/decent. $99 - $131 per person. So I dont think price is the issue.

 

[Mousin' Around]

Just wondering if anybody has any thoughts on this.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Business travelers do not book NEAR this early. And we take up a lot of seats....

But if you sit around waiting the fare will go up!

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

The period after Thanksgiving weekend but before the middle of December has traditionally been a very slow period for Central Florida tourism. That why there are usually great Disney promotions, low off-site hotel rates, and decent airfares at that time. Kids are in school. People are more concerned with the upcoming holidays. And the Northerners aren't yet sick of the cold winter and ready thaw out in Florida.

Orlando is not only a tourist destination. It's also a convention city and a business center. As OrangeCountyCommuter noted, business travelers tend to book closer to their travel dates.

 

[sparkyboy]

OP where are you flying from? Looks like good rates!!!

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

but I am concerned they will be canceled because they are not filling up.

The airlines operate their schedules. Even if a flight is not completely sold out, the plane is needed at its destination for the next flight. Regardless of what you're seeing on the seat map now, chances are the flight will be 80-100% full by the time it departs.

Flights at less desirable times (very early or very late) can be last to sell out, but as other flights that day sell out (or only have First Class and "full unrestricted economy" seats remaining), people will buy seats on those flights.

Yes, flights can be cancelled, but not because there are unsold seats 30 days out. Cancellations can occur on departure day due to weather, mechanical issues, or crew issues. The airline then does its best to get you to your destination.