Southwest -- Tomorrow???

[PatsGirl]

When I looked at the history of SW fares, it seems that Thursday is THE day. So, how many of you want to gamble that tomorrow they'll extend their fares from 8/24 into September? I needs fares for 9/1- and 9/5.

 

[bobthebuilder]

I hope today is the day!!!!

 

[Detailor]

I agree that the day of the week is right, but I'd guess that reservations will be extended on the 26th.

Dick Taylor

 

[slruud]

THe current sale goes through today the 12th, so if a new sale or extention of dates occurs, I would suspect it to happen tomorrow.

 

[keishashadow]

while you're gazing into your crystal balls ; any thoughts on how far out they'll extend the schedule?

i need 12/1 & 12/9 ; but think they'll stop before the thanksgiving rush.

 

[Tinkbellfan]

I'm waiting with you guys! Need Oct 11th. Almost booked a Star Wars Weekend trip in June for me and DD from a DING fare yesterday, but DH looked at me with the "don't even think of it" look.

I agree that Thursday is usually the day. It's not looking too good for today though (11am and nothing yet!).

 

[Detailor]

Past performance doesn't always predict the future, but last year they open the schedule through mid-September on April 19th, then it was extended through October 27th on May 26 and through mid-December on July 13th. In 2005, it all happened a little earlier (mid September on March 17th, end of October on May 12th, and mid December on July 15th). They usually, but not always, open extensions on Thursdays.

Dick Taylor

 

[Crazy4Disney06]

I'm thinking next Thursday is the day!

 

[TMB1203]

I need November 3rd and 10th.
AirTran just raised their rates so I'm hoping SWA has something better than $99 each way when their schedule comes out!

 

[Scornelius]

I've set my homepage to SWA's booking page so I can check often to see if they're booking past the 24th yet. Slightly obsessive? Perhaps. But dang nab it, I want some cheap seats! Right now the cost for flights in the days up to the dates I want are $168! I don't think so!!

 

[PatsGirl]

Scornelius: I'm also watching daily -- please post asap when you see they've set rates past 8/24 and I'll do the same -- maybe some of us disers will luck out and get the cheapest of the cheap

 

[mla2177]

Does anyone know if SW is usually cheaper than US Airways?????

 

[Detailor]

Does anyone know if SW is usually cheaper than US Airways?????

I think the answer is 'maybe.'
Southwest has a different business model than most air carriers. Generally there are two low pricing opportunities for Southwest - they offer an array of pricing when they extend the schedule and the lowest cost seats are limited in number for any particular route. So you should buy tickets as soon as possible (other people are competing with you). In this case, if you can get the lowest cost tickets then you'd typically be lower than USAirways. The other opportunity for Southwest is through Ding. And the Ding offers are great prices but only account for routes that the airline needs to fill seats. This is a great way to go if you have flexible dates, flexible travel locations or both. This is chancier than buying when the schedule is first extended.
USAirways and the other traditional carriers compete in fare wars with one another and the low cost carriers (like Southwest) so you'll often see sales announced. In these cases the prices can be very good but not necessarily available for all routes. Like Southwest, low cost seats available through these sales are usually limited in number.

Dick Taylor

 

[Scornelius]

Scornelius: I'm also watching daily -- please post asap when you see they've set rates past 8/24 and I'll do the same -- maybe some of us disers will luck out and get the cheapest of the cheap

Will Do!! We DISers gotta look out for eachother!