Southwest and ding question

[mommyto3]

I have bought my airfare with a ding August 14 - 20. I REALLY wanted to leave on the 13th. (We have ADRs at Le Cellier and I would hate to give it up) I originally didn't buy it for the 13th because the times weren't good. (See below)

Anyway, there is a ding right now but the times that are available for the
13th are TERRIBLE!!!! We either can have 1 stop arriving at 2:05 pm, or non stop but not land until 7:35 pm. Not only that but now the ding is more money than when I originally bought them. (Now I know why I should have booked arrival and departure seperately)

So here is my question......what are my chances, closer to my dates, that other times will open up? Or will I even continue to receive dings as my dates get closer? The odds of the price going down?

Sorry for all the questions, this is our first experience with Southwest and dings. This is for the Houston market if that makes a difference. Thanks in advance!

 

[CarolA]

As a general rule as you get closer to your departure date fares go UP not down. Also, if SW is dinging other flights on your day, but not the one you want that generally means they think they can sell those seats without a ding. Dings are not really designed the way DIS board wants to use them. They are designed to sell seats that SW doesn't think it can sell another way (ie flights with bad times)

Now, when you look at the flight you want, what options are showing. If only the "Refundable Anytime" or "Advance Purchase" are showing then your chances are slim. If all fares are showing then maybe... but.... no gurantees.

 

[mommyto3]

CarolA

ALL fares and ALL times are available. (excluding the ding) So this means
*maybe* there is hope.

 

[kmjmom]

I'm hoping for a Ding too! So they'll let you change your date without a penalty? I would want the same flight schedule as I currently have. I can't believe that the Ding rates for BDL to MCO have actually been higher than the internet rate that I originally got though. I've decided that maybe we should stay a couple of extra days so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Somehow 7 days sounds a lot better than 5!! Guess I'm getting greedy! When I booked, 5 sounded great since previously we weren't scheduled to go. Then, once you're scheduled you want more!!! Aaaah it's an addiction!