Should I Wait for SWA to open up August flights?

[Julia M]

I'm not sure what to do....I have 5 tickets on hold with American airlines. The fares are about $250, including taxes, to Orlando from CA. But, we are flying out Sun., instead of FRI, and returning SUN, rather than Sat. (over 2 weeks, not one)

I can't book on SWA yet, because I am returning Aug. 14, and their schedule is only out through 8/7. I'm afraid that by the time they open up travel past the 8th, I won't be able to get an inexpensive flight on July 30 or 31st.

Has anyone had this happen before (your planned return date occurs right after the end of the schedule?)

I don't want to lose my 2 days, but I really also hate spending $400 or $500 instead of $250 (I don't mind so much returning a day later), if I wait to long, or can't get a good fair.

Ugh!

Julia

 

[jimmiej]

Our trip is June 12-19. The previous schedule went to June 11

I waited patiently & got a price of $215 from Austin, TX to MCO. And non-stop too. I think I'd wait. Just my 2 cents...

 

[sandyneck]

This also happened to me in April. This is what I did. Book the flight going out and come back August 7. Keep watching the dates and when they open up, call SW and tell them you want to change your return flight to the date you want. If there is a difference in price you will get a credit, or you will pay the extra if the flight is more. Do you think it will be less than $250?

 

[SnackyStacky]

What I generally do is I set a threshold. If a flight comes up that hits that threshold, I book it.

This same thing happened to me. My desired price was $185 roundtrip, and I was holding out for Southwest for their nonstop service to Orlando. But JetBlue came up at $192. For $7 more, I love JetBlue, and booked it.

If you have no problem with AA, and are happy with your price, I say book it.

 

[PattiPB]

Julia---where in CA are you? I LOVE SW because of their low fares. We go to/from Orlando and Tampa, and have never paid more than $99 each way (sometimes $79!!). I've done flights from Oakland for my sister, and always gotten her the $99 as well.

Personally, I've never gone wrong holding out for SW, but you have to sleep at night! LOL!!! $250 is great going cross-country (I pay $218 w/ taxes), and with fuel going sky-high (no pun intended), you may not see it any lower.

Patti

 

[Julia M]

Thanks for the suggestions.

jimmiej: our departure date is right before the cut off, our return date right after. I wouldn't be concerned if both dates were after. I'm afraid that fares

SnackyStacky: it's not the current cost...it's just that the current cost is okay, but on the wrong dates. To fly on the dates I want is $150 more per ticket. But, I'm worried that if I wait until the schedule opens up, the fares might be even higher by then!

sandyneck: good idea! I never thought of that! I will call and book. That gives me the $99 fare each way, and I imagine I can get that rate when they open up the schedule (or maybe a few bucks more....it certainly won't be cheaper!)

PattiPB: We fly from San Jose (we can go Oakland, but it's farther). Dh doesn't want to give up those extra days in the beginning, and we really want to return Sat, not Sun, since dh will have to work Mon. We usually fly SWA, but I hate how hard it is to schedule ahead!

I knew I could get some good info here!

Julia