Should I be panicked? **UPDATE 7/19

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

I already purchased airfare on Southwest from PHL to MCO at $49 each one-way for 8/27. I haven't yet booked our return flight for 9/2. Should I be worried or is there still time?

Flights from MCO to PHL are in the $160 range right now.

I have the option of a $49 flight out of Tampa on 9/2, non-stop to PHL, but I'm unsure about it. It would require renting a car to get from WDW to TPA ($55 intermediate from Budget w/code), which is affordable.

Should I keep waiting for the MCO to PHL or grab the TPA to PHL?

** 7/19 **
My desired flight out of Orlando opened up!!! I was able to change our reservation out of Tampa to departing from Orlando.

 

[TDC Nala]

That's tough. I gave up on seeing how high Southwest was in November and December and booked with US Airways for $69 each way. The flight times are better and they fly into Reagan National which will save me transportation costs anyway, so I don't see waiting for SW to come down. But it will now take me longer to get a rapid reward trip...

If you don't mind driving to Tampa (you'd probably have to leave about the time ME would do a pickup anyway), and you won't curse when the PHL flight comes down, it shouldn't be too bad to go for the Tampa one.

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

If you don't mind driving to Tampa (you'd probably have to leave about the time ME would do a pickup anyway), and you won't curse when the PHL flight comes down, it shouldn't be too bad to go for the Tampa one.

Yes, the flight time from TPA is 7:25PM. I figured we'd pick up the rental between 2 and 3pm and arrive at TPA before 5:30PM, allowing at least two hours to deal with traffic or delays.

DME would pick us up around 3:00 for a 6:25 flight out of MCO. So, we wouldn't lose the park time I had planned for the early part of the day.

 

[crazy_for_the_dis]

I pulled up that date on SW, and it looks like those flights are filling up, plus it is a Sunday. There is a flight at 7:30 am that comes up for about 117 with taxes and everything, but didn't know if you were interested in leaving that early. Plus Airtran has the same time 7 am ish, available for 73. Airtran has several other flights available for 128 through-out the day. Being that it is a Sunday (is that labor day weekend, that won't help either) I would start to get panicked and book what you can now. I personally don't see them coming down. But, I am no expert, so take the advice with a grain of salt......

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

Being that it is a Sunday (is that labor day weekend, that won't help either) I would start to get panicked and book what you can now. I personally don't see them coming down. But, I am no expert, so take the advice with a grain of salt......

Yes, originally I was going to take advantage of the holiday and stay an extra day, but to cut costs and leave a day for rest before DD returns to school I changed our checkout to Sunday the 2nd. I think I'm going to book the Tampa flight. At least it will be transportation back home and I will have that worry off my mind.

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

There is a flight at 7:30 am that comes up for about 117 with taxes and everything, but didn't know if you were interested in leaving that early. Plus Airtran has the same time 7 am ish, available for 73. Airtran has several other flights available for 128 through-out the day.

I'd prefer to depart later in the day to squeeze in a little more park time. I really don't want to get up at sunrise to get DME for such an early flight.

 

[faindrops27]

Ok Intense. I was originally just going to say how cool it was our arrival dates are the same. I am just so excited!! I am sure you and your family are as well!

Ok, now onto your question. I am a gambler by nature. I bought my flights for our return trip before the ones. For the flight down. Knowing you are going to need to fly out on a Sun. I think the gambler in me wants to say hold out for a 79-89 dollar flight. But, with us so close to our holidays. I don't know if I would want to bet on it.

Then again. Paying almost 60 dollars for a rental. You would have to leave disney a little earlier for the drive to another airport. How much would you really save. I mean, I hate the thought of having to drive to another airport. But, again. I dont know. Whatever you choose however. I am wishing you, and your family a great trip!!

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

I found a better rate for a car through Alamo. $38.78 w/ a Walmart code for 20% off. I downgraded to a Chevy Cobalt (Budget's choice in this category is a Ford Focus, which I feel would be too small for 3 plus luggage.). I can match the $49 fare out of Tampa, with the rental car, if a DING or reduced fare of $79 for MCO to PHL comes up.

My last resort is simply to drive our own car. With a stop at a chain hotel there and back for about $60, it would cost about $400...about the same as with the $49 fares each way and the rental.

Oh, the agony of deciding what to do here.

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

deleted. thought I started a new post.

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

ok. I think I've made the decision. I was finally able to ask DH his opinion, he worked today and I haven't been able to discuss the scenario.

I'm going to book the Tampa flight and reserve the Chevy Cobalt with Alamo. If there is a DING from MCO to PHL for $79-84 I will change my reservation with Southwest.

Thanks for your help!