Southwest for President's Week?

[Bowen9475]

When would you guess that SW will release fares for President's Week (February 18 - 26)? How likely is it to get reasonable fares (+-$250pp RT) from either Providence or Hartford to Orlando? I have never tried to get tickets for this week before but would really like to try this year. Any suggestions you have would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[maps]

I can't remember the exact time the rates came out last year, but I do remember the rates. I went Pres Week and am also waiting for the same dates as you. Best of luck getting $250RT.

I literally was on SWA website waiting for them to open the dates. An hour later I went on and the rates were posted. ALL except the most expensive rates were gone for a non stop flight. Within 3 days, those flights were completely booked. We ended up paying the $200 ONE WAY fares.

This was from Manchester so I don't know if it will be the same for Hartford.

Good Luck

 

[beccasmom]

That's a busy time. Though we paid $133/rt for our early February 05 trip, fares were much higher just 2 weeks later when my SIL checked.....

 

[lotsofkids]

I also watched and waited last year for SW to release the Feb. dates for Pres. week (Sat. - Sat.) ABout 10 minutes after they came on, I was only able to get the fully refundable fares (which were $185 each way) for those dates. We fly Hartford to Olrando. However, a f ew weeks after that I was able to take advantage of a sale and got $79 going down on the Wednesday before Pres. Day. I never found anything cheaper than $185 for Thurs, Fri, Sat or Sun. before Pres. Day. Maybe Monday- Monday would be cheaper? Good luck.

 

[pjlla]

To OP.... I know exactly where in MA you are, having grown up in Sturbridge. Keep in mind that MHT (Manchester, NH) is only about a 2 hour ride from you. So if you were able to get a better price from MHT than from Providence or Hartford, I would certainly consider it. It's an easy ride up 93 or 495 to Rte 3. Right now Southwest is offering a DING fare of $40/one way to Orlando from MHT!! Wish I was ready to book a trip today!! Good luck!............P

 

[HeatherC]

Hi There - I'm a close neighbor....we are in Charlton. I feel your pain with the airfares for February. I did get lucky a couple of weeks ago. I was able to book out of Boston direct each way for $79 each. But....I am flying out earlier in the week....Tuesday night and coming home the 25th.
I booked Song going down when they first opened up their fares a long time ago.
Then about two weeks ago I checked and they had one return flight leaving at 5pm for $79 each. I grabbed it. The same flight now is $349 one way!!! The $79 was gone the next day. Unbelievable. What a scam!

My advice is just keep checking a couple of times a day if you can. It's amazing how fast the rates can change. If you don't mind flying out of Logan, it may be cheaper. It was for us. We will just drive to Framingham and park at the Logan Express. The bus is very cheap and my kids are free. We did this last Feb. and it worked out great.

I've been very lucky the last couple times we've gone, but I think it also is because I will hunt and hunt until I get the deal. Good luck with your planning!

Heather C

P.S. Where are you staying down there?

 

[Bowen9475]

We don't actually have any part of this trip planned yet. If will all depend on what we can get for airfare. We have APs through May and would love to get another use out of them. We are going down in October and taking the kids out of school for a week so I would hate for them to miss more days around the February vacation week. We would definitely consider flying out of Boston or Manchester if the price was right; we are just more familiar with Hartford and Providence. I have been searching many different airlines and websites but I'm not having much luck. We'll see what happens. Thanks for all the replies.

 

[madge]

When would you guess that SW will release fares for President's Week (February 18 - 26)?

This Thursday, September 1.

 

[Rpsemont]

We have Gone Pres week the last 3 years. Last year, these fares opend up on 9/24. Immediately, the only thing available were the most expensive fares for Fri, Sat, Sun of both weekends (from BDL) As others have said, I think it ends up being aroung $400 RT. Within a month, there was no availability. However, we have always flown down on Monday and Tuesday of Pres week and returned the following Tues or Wed and been able to get fares under $250. So having the kids miss just a couple days of school might be the best way to make it work. Also, in both years, while I booked initially when the schedule opened up, (at around the Fun Fare rate), I was able to later switch to a cheaper rate, with only minor changes in flight times. IN 2004, I did down Tues and back wed, in 2005, down Monday, back Tuesday. I have never watched MHT (too far away), but you it may be worthwhile to check that out since I believe their winter break is the week after MA has the winter break. Of course, alot of people from MAss fly out on MHT, so I don't really know if that will be helpful.

Good Luck!

 

[JennSaint]

Hi There - I'm a close neighbor....we are in Charlton. I feel your pain with the airfares for February. I did get lucky a couple of weeks ago. I was able to book out of Boston direct each way for $79 each. But....I am flying out earlier in the week....Tuesday night and coming home the 25th.
I booked Song going down when they first opened up their fares a long time ago.
Then about two weeks ago I checked and they had one return flight leaving at 5pm for $79 each. I grabbed it. The same flight now is $349 one way!!! The $79 was gone the next day. Unbelievable. What a scam!

My advice is just keep checking a couple of times a day if you can. It's amazing how fast the rates can change. If you don't mind flying out of Logan, it may be cheaper. It was for us. We will just drive to Framingham and park at the Logan Express. The bus is very cheap and my kids are free. We did this last Feb. and it worked out great.

I've been very lucky the last couple times we've gone, but I think it also is because I will hunt and hunt until I get the deal. Good luck with your planning!

Heather C

P.S. Where are you staying down there?

Hi Heather!
What flight are you on coming home on the 25th? I'm flying out that night also! We will be at Universal the 17th - 20th. Then at Disney for 5 nights.

 

[HeatherC]

Hi Jenn:

We are flying back on the 5 pm Song flight direct into Boston on the 25th. We are going to be there from the 14th - 25th. We are, however, staying offsite. Which resort will you be at? Did you move yet? Hope all is well.

Best,
Heather