Slightly OT Airfare query...not to/from MCO

[zulaya]

Not sure if anyone would know this, but I am trying to get a flight to Chicago-Midway from MSP for a conference in July. ATA and NWA are the only airlines flying nonstop. ATA is running fares for $164.50 for my dates, NWA is running $206.50. Over a $40 difference.

Now I'd much prefer to fly NWA because I can check in online and get miles, but I am having a little trouble justifying it, especially since I would be more for my airfare to MDW than I am to MCO this year!

Anyone ever called the airline and said, "Hey, your competitor is going for this much over my same dates, can you price match?" Do the reservation agents have that power or am I stuck watching airfares?

I guess I am asking if it's even worth my time to try and call?

 

[safetymom]

From my experience you are stuck watching the fares. That is the name of the game with the airlines. Many prices for the same seat. Just keep watching.

 

[hercamore]

Hi, what weather we are having here in MN! Jeez, we have had over 3" of rain this week!

Anyway, IMHO i would definitely give NW a call and see if they'll price match. I know someone posted awhile back about getting a lower rate thru an airline matching prices. Can't remember which one tho.

Did you check Orbbitz? What about American Airlines. AA is based in Chicago. Should think they'd have a decent rate.


herc.

 

[zulaya]

Herc.. - I know this weather is a bit much - I think we probably got 2" of rain at least. The sun is coming out a bit up here but we have probably a 20 MPH wind out of the northwest. Windchill in May...lovely.

I have been checking Orbitz, multiple times a day. ATA and NWA were both hanging at $201 for a couple weeks, then Friday ATA lowered to $174. NWA still was $201 until today...when it went to $211.

I can't believe that they haven't price matched yet. ATA and NWA are the only non stops into Midway. I could fly United or AA into O'hare...if I wanted to pay over $500 not for a conference I don't.

I just don't want to get my hopes up that NWA will price match, call and not have it happen. But I know I won't know unless I do make the call.

 

[hercamore]

Give the AA website a try again. I'm showing 197. from MSP into TPA! That's a good deal, even if I can't use it, LOL Seems like their rates have dropped this weekend.

I picked a random date in July with a 4 day turnoud from MSP to ORd and the fare was $166.

 

[zulaya]

I am going July 17 returning July 19 for The Pampered Chef National Conference. Staying the Saturday night only gives me a $10 airfare reduction, not enough to justify staying in a hotel an extra night.

I'll try AA's website again just to make sure, but really, they were over $500 when I looked this afternoon.

 

[hercamore]

Too bad, looks like you need a 4 day turnound to receive the cheaper price.


herc.