The days of cheap fares are over.

[Dizzy4Dizney]

In May, we flew SW from Manchester to MCO for $135 RT. Last Nov, it was $175. Two years ago, we got $115 RT. I think the days of low fares are over

We have a trip coming up this fall and I think I have enough FF miles for all 3 to fly for free. But next May when we go, I think I'll have to start putting things up on eBay to pay for the tickets! I'd be happy with the $175 fares again.

 

[bicker]

Between the fuel prices and the fact that airlines simply cannot afford to fly people at less than cost any longer, you can rest assured that fares will be higher, on average, this year as compared to past years, and will continue to climb until the airline industry is uniformly profitable again.

 

[Scratch42]

Try flying from Canada!

There is no such animal as a cheap flight!

j

 

[NotUrsula]

There are still some out there, if you keep yourself flexible. We're leaving tomorrow on SWA, the fare is a r/t Ding! that we bought 6 weeks ago: $117 incl. tax.

 

[princessgirls]

Hi Dizzy4disney---

I know how you feel. Nov 2004 paid 123.00 (bos-mco direct), Nov 2005 paid 163.00 (bos-mco direct) and this year the cheapest I can find is 253.00. Ughhhhh. I was hoping not to spend more than 200 per person (3 of us), but I think I am going to put a few things on craigslist to soften the blow!

I am hoping jetblue comes out with a 'special' rate for november. I think I am going to book a one way on jetblue (right now $99) and hope for a better return price and maybe even a credit if they have the $79 fares and then book the return.

A person can dream, can't she!!

ps....I love your countdown calendar. I think I might just have to make one this year!!

 

[5boyz]

I just got a good deal on a flight with Northwest from Detroit. $131.06CDN including taxes. For my family of 6 it was $786.36 return.

 

[princessgirls]

EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Dizzy4Dizney]

Hey Princessgirl,
I just noticed we are from the same town!

It's a Small World after all!

 

[keishashadow]

I'm old enough to remember when it cost between $300 & $400 back in the 70's to fly to FL.

I've been lucky w/reward miles, etc. but still think it's a bargin when the RT is under $200 pp. Considering it would take us 2 days to drive, factoring in lodging, etc. & the ME program WDW offers that can eliminate rental car costs; when we only have a few people traveling - it's cost effective.

 

[princessgirls]

I agree that 200 to 250 to fly to Florida isn't bad, but I have been so darn spoiled these past few years!!!! I think I am just going to bite the bullet and get the tickets.

Hey Dizzy4disney.....I just noticed too. Those of us who love disney are everywhere!!!

 

[Christine]

I was able to get $116 last summer on Independence Air--that was during the initial gas hikes. I think, for the short term, you are right in that the fares are going to be high for awhile. But, there's always hope for the occasional airfare war!

 

[erikthewise]

It may be largely true that cheap fares are gone, but the market still plays a bigger role than fuel costs.

Just one example: Airtran Dayton-Orlando standard fare is $119 one-way, while a couple years ago it was $89. Fuel costs? Not when Airtran Indianapolis-Orlando standard fare is currently $84!

 

[bicker]

That's a good point. Fuel costs, when not reflected in fares, end up getting reflected elsewhere, such as in our taxes, which go to pay for the debts of the struggling airlines, assumed by the US taxpayer as a result of judicial fiat. So we end up paying more, but not necessarily via higher airfares, but perhaps higher taxes instead.

 

[JoeCathyAngelina]

The flight Dates are a big difference in fares.
I just checked Orbitz for Saturday to Saturday from Boston to MCO, 4/14/07-4/21/07 non-stop roundtrip per person, American Airlines was $808; Delta was $544.
From Friday to Friday, 4/13/07-4/20/07 non-stop roundtrip per person, American Airlines was $324; Delta was $303.
We're still planning on driving.
Good Luck All.
Joe

 

[Pig Pen]

I paid a horrendous amount for my JetBlue tix for December 2006. I had a $250 gift certificate, thank goodness. The fare for 2, roundtrip was just under $700. I ended up paying $450 out of pocket. US Airways was offering tix for about $198 plus tax. Of course who knows if US Airways will still be flying at Christmas! Plus as DH pointed out, they don't have little TVs!



JetBlue...please don't price yourself out of the market! I love you but don't test my loyalty.

 

[flynnibus]

I just got back from Orlando.. we had a DING fair from SW for $89 RT!! Baltimore to Orlando. bought the ticket in feb for may trip

 

[Christine]

I just got back from Orlando.. we had a DING fair from SW for $89 RT!! Baltimore to Orlando. bought the ticket in feb for may trip

Now that's what I'm looking for. Sadly, I don't think I'll see that this summer.

 

[bicker]

JetBlue...please don't price yourself out of the market! I love you but don't test my loyalty.

In business, loyalty is determined by how willing a customer is willing to pay extra for your offerings.

 

[owtrbnks]

That's a good point. Fuel costs, when not reflected in fares, end up getting reflected elsewhere, such as in our taxes, which go to pay for the debts of the struggling airlines, assumed by the US taxpayer as a result of judicial fiat. So we end up paying more, but not necessarily via higher airfares, but perhaps higher taxes instead.

You got that right! Like the AA spokesperson said after they shifted some flights to DAL from DFW, "We're not here to make a profit."
As most of us know - They are afraid of SWA!
BTW- Just got a $54 ding from ALB to MCO. We'll be home in a week!!!