SWA experts - please read!

[riu girl]

We are planning on flying BUF-TPA (or MCO if the price is much cheaper) Dec 17-Dec 31/05 and just had a few of questions:

1. Approximately when will SWA release their Dec/05 fares? I have been told mid-June (based on last year). Do you agree?

2. What would you consider a decent price(taxes included) for BUF-TPA return for our dates(I realize that we will be flying on Saturdays and also during Christmas season)?

3. I understand that often there are SWA internet sales on Tuesdays. At what time would be the earliest (EST) that these sale fares are available?

4. What do you think would be less expensive: BUF-TPA return or BUF-MCO return for the dates listed above?


5. As soon as the Dec. fares are released, I plan on checking the SWA web site a couple times per day. I also have DING but don't know if they will offer any specials over the Christmas season. Does anyone think they might?
I wish I could book my air sooner. I already have a condo ( 2 weeks Siesta Key) and car rental booked. The air portion of this trip is all I really have left to book.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Suzy V.
I am also going to post this on the DIS Canadian Board.

 

[Lewisc]

1) http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=366800
No, usually on a Th last year it was 7/29, the previous year 7/24

2)You're looking for a specific, popular day SAT. I suspect you're looking for an am flight. I think you almost have to book ANY FARE. There is a shot that the internet discounted fares may never apply to the flight you're looking for. Normally I think any fare around $200 R/T is a good fare, getting a fare under $150 at the exact time/date you want is a matter of luck. Getting those fares frequently require taking a connections or being flexible by a day or two. Internet sales for you flights could be any Tues or NEVER if the flight sells out quickly.

4) Frequently TPA is cheaper than MCO but YMV.

5) I wouldn't think they'd need deep discounts. SW's fully refundable fare is a bargain compared to legacy airlines.

YOU MIGHT BOOK YOUR CAR RENTAL FROM BOTH TPA AND MCO until you get your airfare.

 

[riu girl]

LewisC,
Thanks for the info. I currently have three car rentals booked:
1. if we fly in/out TPA (350 US/2 weeks)
2. if we fly in/out MCO (211 US/2 weeks)
3. if we fly in to MCO/out of TPA (218 US/2 weeks)
TPA would be by far my first choice since we actually have to travel about 60 miles south of TPA to get to our rented condo.

LewisC (or anyone else)

I probably will wait until the fares are released at the end of July, then see if there is a sale that offers a special internet rate the following Tuesday. If not, I will just go ahead and book something. I have a condo reserved for Dec 17 - Dec 31 , so I really am not flexible with my dates.
$200/pp would be a bargain for me since I have to compare the airfare rates to Toronto (which are about $200 pp in TAXES alone)

Is anyone at all familiar with SWA credits? If I book an airfare and then it goes on sale, would I get a SWA credit or $$ back on my credit card? I have read that SWA passengers get one or the other. How does this work? I won't be flying SWA within 12 months of the original booking so a SWA credit is really no good to me.

I assume SWA will not offer DING rates over Christmas? Any thoughts?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Suzy V.

 

[Lewisc]

I don't think anyone can figure out the credit card vs SW credit. I think the exact fare class you booked as to be available at the lower price but it seems some SW employees will credit back your cc if you're nice to them.

You might also look at JetBlue, not sure if they have any non-stops.

I'd have a maximum fare you can live with, I think the maximum fully refundable fare is around $380, and boook it. If you wait too long the flight may sell out completely.

 

[riu girl]

Lewis:
Thanks for all the info. Last year we booked Independence BUF-MCO for the same dates and it was just over the $200 mark. I am really hoping to book SWA this year ,due to their good financial track. I worried from the date I booked FLYi until our flight dates that they would file Chapter 7 or 11. I would feel much more confident with SWA. I will also check Jetblue as well although they have no non-stops.

In your opinion, do you think I could get SWA for my dates for around the $200 range? That is basically what I have budgeted. I plan on booking within a week or two of when they release their Dec. schd. to ensure that we will get our dates/a.m. flights.

Thanks again for all your input on this.
Suzy V.

 

[Lewisc]

Travel is up, jet fuel is up and you're going during peak travel times. I don't know if $200 is doable, you're looking at TPA and MCO that's a plus. You might consider flying the night before and getting a PL room by the airport IF there is a big difference in fare.

 

[Donnask8pro]

Were you saying fares were released in July for Dec? Should I even bother waiting until then? We leave for MCO Nov 25th come home Dec 4th. PHL.

 

[riu girl]

LewisC: Thanks for the info. I appreciate it.
Sorry, what does PL mean?
Have a great evening.
Suzy V.

 

[dcandmc]

PL = Priceline

 

[Lewisc]

Were you saying fares were released in July for Dec? Should I even bother waiting until then? We leave for MCO Nov 25th come home Dec 4th. PHL.

Earlier in this thread I posted a link to flyertalk that listed the historical dates reservations were opened. You might use that to check your dates.

 

[Donnask8pro]

I have already been checking it out. Thanks