SW help for a newbie!

[MistyD]

We've never flown SW before but are planning to for our February trip. A couple of weeks ago I checked online fares and they were $83 each way. Tonight I go to actually book and it's $113!! HELP! That's a $240 difference for my family.

Is there any hope it will go back down? These were the "Wanna get away" fares if that makes any difference. Those that are frequest fliers, are we looking for fares too early? Should we wait until a little closer to our trip?

Thanks for any advice!!

 

[antree]

Yes, the price will go up and down. They seem to be higher Thursday - Monday, then go down Mon-Wed. I bought my Nov. ticket at $89.00 one way, my DN got her ticket at $79.00 one way for the same time, she bought it a different day. My DS had to buy hers when it was $121.00 one way, and right now when I checked it is at $156.00 one way. This went on ove a 2 month period. If you can hold off a buying the tickets for a about a week I would and watch the flights, check on them a few times a day. Especially late at night around 11pm or later and first thing in the morning about 8am, those times seem to show cheaper flights.


Good luck!

 

[JenSop]

Never go airfare shopping on weekends and holidays! It doesn't matter when you're planning to travel - just don't shop for flights on those days!

Your best bets are to go airfare shopping on Tuesdays through Thursdays.

But flights will always be going up and down. The trick is to be ready to book as soon as you see that really awesome low fare - don't wait! Grab it!

Be sure to read some of the threads here about Southwest. We tried them for the first time this summer (had always used USAir) and SW is very different as far as seats, boarding, etc. If you don't check in at exactly 24 hours in advance, your family might not get to sit together. (There is no assigned seating.)

I heeded the advice of the boards and had everything filled in and ready to go ten minutes before my 24 hour window, so that when that window opened, all I had to do was click the button!

Thanks Disboards!

 

[RumpleMom]

We are using SWA because luggage is free and fares are great.

You can book your flight at a price you can live with, and watch for a lower fare, rebook and then have a credit for a future flight- all without a change of booking fee.

My credit is going towards another trip. DH always smiles that I first tell him how much money I saved, before telling how much I have spent.

SWA airfare credit + AP= we are going to see Mickey again!