Southwest ???

[cocowum]

I'm flying 12/8 and returning on 12/12. I wanted to fly SW because I have $175 credit with them. Unfortunately, I'm finding lower rates with US Air. US Air is $100 rt while SW is still $100 each way. My question is will SW "price match"? Also do you think SW will come out with lower rate for the beginning of Dec? Any opinions?? TIA

 

[MrsMud]

They won't price match, I'm sure. And that is a big difference in price. But how many are flying? Are you the only one ? If so, it will cost you $25 out of pocket to fly SW. 2 people flying, it would cost you $225, so a little more than USAir. Are there other considerations, like airports, nonstop or convenient times that would be a factor? If SW comes out ahead with these, I would probably still spend the extra $25, if your credit is in danger of expiring before your next trip. If you have more than 2 people flying, the difference in price becomes more of an issue. Still, don't forget you can get another credit if your fares drop.
Which leads to your next question. Yes I do think your fares will probably drop. Early December is not a peak travel time, and they will probably have a decent sale. Should you wait? That's up to you and your risk tolerance level!

edited to add: I just looked at the website, and I assume you're flying out of either Albany or Buffalo? The fact that the flights are wide open is a good thing, and I would probably wait as long as those lowest fares don't start to become unavailable. On the other hand, it looks like prices are generally higher from either of these airports than some other markets, Islip Long Island (which is my airport) has flights available on those dates for $69. Good luck deciding.

 

[cocowum]

Thanks MrsMud there are 3 of us flying and our credit doesn't expire until 6/06. We got a great rate ($49) for our April and Aug trips but we did have to wait awhile for them. I was waiting patiently until I read a post saying SW does not offer low rates in Dec and I started to panic.

 

[riu girl]

I believe out of BUF for now until mid NOV rates out of BUF are only $49 with the current sale. IMHO, I would not be suprised if this (or a similar rate) is not offered for your dates since they are off season.

I am flying out of BUF Dec 17 and I assume that this is the beginning of holiday high season rates since there is already a lot of fares not available for that date so I don't know if this date will ever be less expensive? I have seats booked at $99 OW
Any thoughts mrs Mud, cocowum (or anybody else)?

I have also posted this on another thread but for our flight home (Jan 7, NOT BOOKED YET), I'm not sure if this would be considered holiday season or not (since a lot of schools don't go back until Jan 9)? Any thoughts? I think I might book this at the $99 OW also but am worried that it could drop to $49 closer to flight date (last year a lot of January flights went as low as $49 or even $29 but school started Jan 3, NOT Jan 9). I have no use for a SWA credit so not sure if I should book or wait.
Suzy V.

 

[riu girl]

cocowum: where did you read that SWA does not offer discounted fares for Dec. ?

 

[byoung]

Southwest did have low rates in Dec last Year paid $49 from Philly.

 

[cocowum]

cocowum: where did you read that SWA does not offer discounted fares for Dec. ?

I think it was the other SW thread you posted on. lol

BTW I'm in Albany and I've got my fingers crossed for low airfares.
Thanks for posting byoung. You've given me hope.

 

[cocowum]

Just booked SW Ding fare $40 one way. Total RT w/tax & fees $97.

I think that's the lowest Ding I've seen for ALB - MCO.

Now I can buy my MVMCP tickets.

 

[Tiggerific711]

Did you download Ding on your computer. We fly out of Albany too and we just got a ding today for $40! We're going 11/25 to 12/3 (we were supposed to go on 11/26 but there was nothing available for that day) The ding was good for 11/1 to 1/9. Keep watching, hopefully they'll have it again.

TTFN