SOUTHWEST question?

[dorymom67]

Any DIS travelers know when Southwest will open up airfares for April? I want to book as soon as they open up. Thanks!

 

[2minnies]

from sw website: On October 5, we will open our schedule for sale through June 3, 2011.

 

[dorymom67]

Thanks so much! I'll make sure I'm booking that day!

 

[disneygirl 17]

Is Southwest pretty straight forward - the earlier you book the cheaper or are the prices fluctuate like other airlines.

I haven't flown them before and was curious the best way to get the best price

 

[DipsyDoodles]

Is Southwest pretty straight forward - the earlier you book the cheaper or are the prices fluctuate like other airlines.

I haven't flown them before and was curious the best way to get the best price

YES, book early on the day the open up as the price will fluctuate quite significantly on that day and going forward. They usually say the fares open up at 10am but they usually always open up earlier. Start checking as early as you can on the day they open. Recently I booked a one way ticket for $89 on the day the fares came out for February vacation - by the next day that same flight was $100 more at $189!

 

[disneygirl 17]

YES, book early on the day the open up as the price will fluctuate quite significantly on that day and going forward. They usually say the fares open up at 10am but they usually always open up earlier. Start checking as early as you can on the day they open. Recently I booked a one way ticket for $89 on the day the fares came out for February vacation - by the next day that same flight was $100 more at $189!

I am glad I asked - I always spend weeks watching the prices before I purchase....booking early seems much easier since their prices work that way.

 

[CowboyCO]

from sw website: On October 5, we will open our schedule for sale through June 3, 2011.

We're planning to go June 2, 2011. Does your round trip have to be concluded by June 3rd to book, or just your departure?

 

[JanaD]

According to recent Rapid Rewards newletter, they will open up their schedule on September 28, not October 5. Happy hunting!

 

[Thumper_Man]

We're planning to go June 2, 2011. Does your round trip have to be concluded by June 3rd to book, or just your departure?

If your departure is on or before June 3rd., you can book your flight. If your arrival back home is after June 3rd, you will have to wait until they open up the flights for after this date.

 

[CowboyCO]

If your departure is on or before June 3rd., you can book your flight. If your arrival back home is after June 3rd, you will have to wait until they open up the flights for after this date.

So does it make sense to book a one-way when they come open rather than waiting another 60-90 days to book a round trip? (And then book another one-way for the trip back...)

 

[Phlip]

So does it make sense to book a one-way when they come open rather than waiting another 60-90 days to book a round trip? (And then book another one-way for the trip back...)

Yes

 

[Phlip]

from sw website: On October 5, we will open our schedule for sale through June 3, 2011.

Where did you see this? I couldn't find it.
Thanks-

 

[Thumper_Man]

So does it make sense to book a one-way when they come open rather than waiting another 60-90 days to book a round trip? (And then book another one-way for the trip back...)

You can do it that way if you like. This way you guaranteed to get the cheapest fare possible. We've done it. The only difference really is that you will have 2 different itinerary numbers.

Also, if you find that the flights are cheaper in the future, you can always re-book the flights for cheaper, and get credit for future flights.

 

[Thumper_Man]

Where did you see this? I couldn't find it.
Thanks-

You can usually find this under Travel Tools.

Here's the link: http://www.southwest.com/html/travel-tools/index.html?int=GSUBNAV-TOOLS-ALL&forceNewSession=yes

 

[Phlip]

You can usually find this under Travel Tools.

Here's the link: http://www.southwest.com/html/travel-tools/index.html?int=GSUBNAV-TOOLS-ALL&forceNewSession=yes

Thanks! The one place I hadn't looked..

 

[Holly324]

Thank you so much for this info!! We are going in May 2011, and we have very specific needs on flight times. According to the flights that are out now, as long as the times stay the same, southwest has the best flight for us. I will be checking on that day!!!

 

[dburg30]

Is Southwest pretty straight forward - the earlier you book the cheaper or are the prices fluctuate like other airlines.

I haven't flown them before and was curious the best way to get the best price

Usually is about the best to book right away... But, there are sometimes they will guess wrong on bookings and I have seen cheaper flights show up a couple of weeks after the booking period opens.

SW would allow you to get a 'credit' for that difference but you wont get money back. You would get a ticketless travel fund that would have to be used within 12 months of the original ticket purchase, NOT the flight date, the purchase date.

EDIT: to the OP, I just saw you are from the NE, from what I've watched in the transportation area, yea, grab them ASAP as they tend to be the worst for just going up and up and up..

 

[eeyoremommy]

I just clicked on that link. It says October 5. I am dying because we need flights for March 12 for our Disneyland trip.

 

[Holly324]

Ahh! They changed it and now it is open only until April 23...anyone have any idea if they will still open up through May on Oct 5? Thanks!