Snag $59 AT flights or wait for SWA in June?

[PoppyGirl]

AT just reduced the price of flights to MCO for our dates. The total cost (paying for 1 bag each) is about $168 per person round trip. Should I snag this fare or take my chances waiting for Southwest when they release December fares in June????? AHHHH! What to do???

 

[robinb]

AT just reduced the price of flights to MCO for our dates. The total cost (paying for 1 bag each) is about $168 per person round trip. Should I snag this fare or take my chances waiting for Southwest when they release December fares in June????? AHHHH! What to do???

$168 seems like a good rate. How much are SWA's flights in September?

 

[PoppyGirl]

$168 seems like a good rate. How much are SWA's flights in September?

The same time frame (midweek) base fare is $87--total with taxes is $208 round trip. With 2 free bags...of course.

 

[robinb]

The same time frame (midweek) base fare is $87--total with taxes is $208 round trip. With 2 free bags...of course.

Well then, the $168 with 2 bags seems like a bargain to me. FWIW, I flew AT last December and we carried on all our bags. I had to buy a carry-on for my DD but I thought it was worth the "investment" of $50 for a nicer 20" bag she could handle (70% off at Carson's in Chicago) than paying AT to check our bigger 24" bag.

 

[irishtigger]

and do it fast. I waited and missed the rate for my trip in May. SW usually is more expensive and when you sign into your flight they may even add and upgrade for $49-69 for business class and let me tell you having the more room is so worth it.

 

[dacky041208]

SW has almost always been cheaper than AT for us out of BWI, even not counting bags, but I'd still jump on the AT at 168 PP. It seems like the prices we've been looking at this year have been a good bit higher than years past. Then again, we travel sometime in May-July, so I'm not so sure about December.

 

[PoppyGirl]

I did it! I really didn't think I would get SWA for less than $59....and even with the bags and seats, it's under $200 per person round trip. Plus, there's not the "cattle call" where I'm always anxious that I won't get to sit with my kids. I picked seats up front so we will be nearly first on the plane and....first OFF to get to ME! WOOT!

 

[Missytara]

SW has almost always been cheaper than AT for us out of BWI, even not counting bags, but I'd still jump on the AT at 168 PP. It seems like the prices we've been looking at this year have been a good bit higher than years past. Then again, we travel sometime in May-July, so I'm not so sure about December.

Actually the last two years for me, to go the weekend after Thanksgiving through the first week in December, SW was $50.00 higher than AT.

I snagged $99.00 going down on the 27th of Nov. and $59.00 coming back on the 4th of Dec. I am very happy.

I just love AT; and my flights have never been changed or bumped or cancelled - I have my seat assignment and I don't have to scramble around the day before doing check-in.

 

[dacky041208]

Actually the last two years for me, to go the weekend after Thanksgiving through the first week in December, SW was $50.00 higher than AT.

For a difference like that I'd have no problem gambling on the AT schedule, but for whatever reason our trips the last 4 years, SW has always been just a bit cheaper than AT (not even counting bags or seats). I wonder why they vary like that depending on the time of year and the airport.

anyway, I think the OP did good by nabbing a great rate for their trip, I hope it works out.

 

[DonnaL]

To the OP who chose seats near front of plane on AT.....yes, you will be first OFF the plane.....which is better when you're on way TO Disney! However, you won't be first on......not with AT.....they board from back to the front......which really does make sense with assigned seating.

 

[simzac]

I did it! I really didn't think I would get SWA for less than $59....and even with the bags and seats, it's under $200 per person round trip. Plus, there's not the "cattle call" where I'm always anxious that I won't get to sit with my kids. I picked seats up front so we will be nearly first on the plane and....first OFF to get to ME! WOOT!

Now you only have to hope they don't change the time of your flight. And if they do, the seats you picked would probably be gone. Happened to us. Hope it doesn't happen to you.