Southwest - December Question

[js]

Hi.
I've never flown Southwest but they may be my last chance of getting just okay prices for December 26-Janaury 1 from EWR/JFK to MCO.

Delta was $560 last week roundtrip and although high, that has been the lowest I have seen.
Of course, my dh said to wait and I listened (what got into me??) and now all airlines are $700-$800+

I was surprised to see Southwest December dates aren't even released yet. For those that fly them, approximately when do they open since I want to get on asap to look and hopefully book for four people.

Thanks.

 

[cab5525]

June

 

[MrsBlovesDisney]

June 2nd to be exact.

 

[nkereina]

Yep - June 2nd will open up flights through January. Highly recommend jumping on them that morning - we've found the most options at the lowest fares when booking morning of release day!

 

[cassie58]

We had to change our dates last yr. from Oct. 31st - Nov. 7th to Dec. 19th-24th, and one of the reasons in addition to kids activities was that the flight prices were higher than I'd ever seen for going PHL-MCO. We fly SW, and got the Dec. flights for $99 down(was $139 and dropped twice so got the credit) and got the way back for $109! And we didn't book the first flight till late Nov., and the second till early Dec. I have heard that they offer low prices at opening, but we weren't ready to book dates at that time. They have sales all the time and prices fluctuate, but if you have to have those exact dates, you may want to jump on something if it is decent now. I will be watching though because we may have to fly those same dates approximately if my son' team is in a soccer tour. at ESPN that week, which I would not pick for Disney as the most crowded week, but also because of elevated costs for resorts and flights. But trust me I am not complaining about any extra time I can get at WDW!

The other thing to remember is no bag fees with SW, you can each take 2 checked bags, plus a carry-on and personal item for no charge. So whatever the price you see is all you will pay, unless you want to reserve seats ahead, which you really don't need to do as long as you check-in at 24 hr., but if you decide to , it's only $12 each. Also, I if you grab a flight and then the price drops you can get credit in your account to use within 12 mo. That is why we try to book one way at a time, and then use any credit we get back toward the other flight. You can also change your flight for free if you need to adjust your trip by a day, or want to change your flight to a different time of day. You just rebook, and pay any difference in price, or get a credit if it is lower. Plus you get a snack and drink on board!

 

[js]

Thank you all so much! I will put a reminder on my phone for June 2. What time do flights open? Midnight or early morning?

Thanks.

 

[MinnieMSue]

Usually start opening at 6-6:15am Eastern time.

 

[greenclan67]

Just and FYI Early Bird check in is now $15 per person each way!! It was $12.50 just increased it in March!

 

[js]

Usually start opening at 6-6:15am Eastern time.

Just and FYI Early Bird check in is now $15 per person each way!! It was $12.50 just increased it in March!

Thank you both so much! I really appreciate thhe help!!

 

[greenclan67]

I just booked a cruise from miami jan 2 to 6 so waiting for Southwest too book Dec 30 th to Jan 7th.

 

[Lynne G]

Me too. June 2, I will be visiting SW's website nice and early. I also have credit from my October flight, and a discounted gift card I picked up. So, hoping for reasonable fare as well.
Based on my October flight, SW cut down on the number of daily direct flights. So, will most likely get the kids up before the crack of dawn, to get the first direct flight on the way down, and latest direct on the way back. Not expecting more direct flights for the holidays.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Me too. June 2, I will be visiting SW's website nice and early. I also have credit from my October flight, and a discounted gift card I picked up. So, hoping for reasonable fare as well.
Based on my October flight, SW cut down on the number of daily direct flights. So, will most likely get the kids up before the crack of dawn, to get the first direct flight on the way down, and latest direct on the way back. Not expecting more direct flights for the holidays.

A direct flight has stops. Did you mean a nonstop flight?

 

[Lynne G]

A direct flight has stops. Did you mean a nonstop flight?

Yes, sorry, nonstop. Fighting a nasty cold and sometimes I do not type right. Was really mad at SW for having only 3 of over a dozen flights that were nonstop. Rest were mostly one stop and some even 2. Many way out of the way south. Last year, there were several more nonstop flights the same times of year.