The Most Expensive Free Trip Ever - TR Link is Up! Pg. 164

[onelilspark]

When I lived in Philly, we always checked ABE (Allentown) and Newark. AirTran out of Allentown usually has decent fares, but then you have the bag fee.

 

[jordanyosh]

ah...the intricacies of airfare roulette.

well...that part of your planning is done and now you can start fine tuning the plans.

Wendy says never to look at airfares again after you've booked. It can get depressing. I haven't heeded her warnings in the past and she's right; I almost always see a cheaper flight at one point or another.

 

[jenbear123]

Once the flights are booked, it seals the deal! The trip is ON! Glad you acted on it right away. Usually I hum and haw about it for a month, then when I go to book it, all those $67 fares have disappeared 5:30am is still pretty early... think you can handle it? =Glen

 

[eandesmom]

I think those days ARE already here - we're just behind the times technology wise! But, if I got an iphone and all those cool Disney apps, then I wouldn't need a spreadsheet and note cards, and how would I fill the next 9 months until my trip?



Oh that's a good idea! Last year I made my own planner using the plans on the Touring plans website. I think it was about 5x7. But smaller is better - as long as you can still read the print!

I have pictures of it in my PTR, it's pretty darn cute and fits easily in my park bag. It looks more like a wallet than a binder thingy. Last year I used a different one (but save 4x6 size) that had a lot more pages and I like this one better, it limits how much info I can put on it, which is a good thing but is vastly prettier and fun! The other one was a little bulky and there is such a thing as too much info to carry around!

I hadn’t thought too much about airfare before yesterday.

Pulled the trigger.

I booked choice “B” for the flight out and choice “2” for the return.

Last year I lost $100 or more when I delayed booking the tickets so that I could look up our Rapid Rewards numbers, and the prices went up overnight. And they never went back down. This is Orlando we’re talking about, right after school lets out. I was afraid that $67 fare would get away, and the total for the five of us is a few hundred dollars cheaper than what we paid last year, so I figured I’d better jump on it.

There you have it, airfare DONE! I looked and booked.

Update to my update: Now this morning I went on to peek at the fares again and they’ve reduced my outbound flight to $107. Oh well, maybe we’ll rebook and get a refund voucher. Judy could put it towards her annual trek to the PChef Annual Conference at HQ in Chicago.

I still think you did great! Those are the flights I'd have chosen.

Check with Southwest & see if they'll give you the $$ for the change in fares. Delta has done that for me before. At least your flights are booked- you're one step closer to WDW!!

I know someone has had luck with SW before on this, worth a phone call!

 

[glennbo123]

for the awesome flight fares! I love looking for a great deal but then at the same time I want to book because I am afraid there won't be anything better! I am flying on Jet Blue for the first time in May...a direct flight which I am super happy about and it was $250 which I can deal with.
Love all of your spreadsheets and lists! I love all of the planning!

Tracy

Thanks. Good that you got a direct flight. I much prefer them but couldn't pass up the $67 jaunt.

Check with Southwest & see if they'll give you the $$ for the change in fares. Delta has done that for me before. At least your flights are booked- you're one step closer to WDW!!

You can re-book and get the difference on a voucher which can be used towards another ticket up to a year. I went to do it this evening and the prices are back where they were last night! I'm wondering if I was seeing things this morning, but I know everything was at $107, not $120 this morning!

When I lived in Philly, we always checked ABE (Allentown) and Newark. AirTran out of Allentown usually has decent fares, but then you have the bag fee.

Yeah, it's a good idea to check around. We're down in the corner of PA near Delaware and Maryland. Allentown would be farther than I'd like to drive.

ah...the intricacies of airfare roulette.

well...that part of your planning is done and now you can start fine tuning the plans.

Wendy says never to look at airfares again after you've booked. It can get depressing. I haven't heeded her warnings in the past and she's right; I almost always see a cheaper flight at one point or another.

I couldn't resist looking. And I probably will again.

Once the flights are booked, it seals the deal! The trip is ON! Glad you acted on it right away. Usually I hum and haw about it for a month, then when I go to book it, all those $67 fares have disappeared 5:30am is still pretty early... think you can handle it? =Glen

Oh yeah! It is on! I can handle it. We told James today that we booked the tickets and he was bummed that we didn't go with the superearly flight and that we're not getting in until lunchtime. He wanted to get a good amount of park-time in. But I know if we had done that it would have consequences by evening of that first day --->

I still think you did great! Those are the flights I'd have chosen.

I know someone has had luck with SW before on this, worth a phone call!

Thanks. I think we may have done it last year also (rebooking and getting a credit voucher towards a future flight). As I mentioned above, I went to do it tonight and the prices were back where they were last night. Wha-wha-what?

 

[jordanyosh]

Okay I just took a peak at my dates again and there are flights for 313. Mine was 223 on Southwest. However, I have a connecting flight and get in REALLY late on Friday and leave at 2pm on Thursday the 18th. I could have all of Friday night to hang out at WDW and then on departure day I'd have basically a 1/2 day to go to the parks....Hmmmmmm........

 

[glennbo123]

Okay I just took a peak at my dates again and there are flights for 313. Mine was 223 on Southwest. However, I have a connecting flight and get in REALLY late on Friday and leave at 2pm on Thursday the 18th. I could have all of Friday night to hang out at WDW and then on departure day I'd have basically a 1/2 day to go to the parks....Hmmmmmm........

Decisions, decsions. Sorry if my airfare discussion caused you to re-open Pandora's box after you got the lid clamped down once.

 

[Mommy2LittleVols]

Hi! Joining in the fun. Just finished reading your 09 TR...you have a beautiful family!

 

[jordanyosh]

Decisions, decsions. Sorry if my airfare discussion caused you to re-open Pandora's box after you got the lid clamped down once.

I'm going to stick with what I have simply because I can't afford to buy another plane ticket after buying a new laptop.....I think.

 

[dd50]

Wow, you know when you are going, where you are going and already purchased your tickets. So much farther than me as I don't even know when I am going, June, July or August.

When do your kids get out of school? Mine don't get out until 6/15 but my other daughter who meets us there with my grandchildren don't get out until 6/25.

Love your spread sheet.

 

[All7OfUs]

I'm going to stick with what I have simply because I can't afford to buy another plane ticket after buying a new laptop.....I think.

I LOOOOOOOVE where this could go... it'll be fun to watch this develop!!!

 

[marvali]

Sponging?! As I pointed out a couple of posts above, you risk insulting the cook if you don't stuff yourself.

Just kidding my friend. I totally understand. My DMIL is the same way. If you turn down thirds or fourths even because you can't possibly waddle away from the table already, her normal response is "What, you don't like my cooking???"

I could never do a meal with both families in the same day, at least not without serious consequences.

 

[glennbo123]

Hi! Joining in the fun. Just finished reading your 09 TR...you have a beautiful family!

Mommy2LittleVols!!

Glad you're joining in! Thank you for the nice compliment.

 

[glennbo123]

I'm going to stick with what I have simply because I can't afford to buy another plane ticket after buying a new laptop.....I think.

Darned finances, always getting in the way! I know how it is.

Wow, you know when you are going, where you are going and already purchased your tickets. So much farther than me as I don't even know when I am going, June, July or August.

When do your kids get out of school? Mine don't get out until 6/15 but my other daughter who meets us there with my grandchildren don't get out until 6/25.

Love your spread sheet.

Yep, getting things nailed down. Still not sure where we're staying that first night yet.

Our kids' last day of school is the day before we fly out...as long as we don't get any snow days. If we do, they'll extend school, and we'll have to do some quick talking as to why our kids won't be there for the last day or so. They never do anything the last days anyway. Last year they turned their books in several days before the last day and the last couple of days seemed like a big waste of time. Anyway, we're keeping our fingers crossed that everything works out okay.

I LOOOOOOOVE where this could go... it'll be fun to watch this develop!!!

Yes, Jordan's planning beast has re-emerged.

Just kidding my friend. I totally understand. My DMIL is the same way. If you turn down thirds or fourths even because you can't possibly waddle away from the table already, her normal response is "What, you don't like my cooking???"

I could never do a meal with both families in the same day, at least not without serious consequences.

Oh, I know you were kidding. I've gotten better at the two big meals in one day thing over the years....stomach stretching?

 

[All7OfUs]

Yes, Jordan's planning beast has re-emerged.

I'm not sure it ever hibernated, really. He says he hasn't looked at his spreadsheet since the beg. of Dec, but I seriously doubt Binder would let herself be neglected that long.

 

[jordanyosh]

I LOOOOOOOVE where this could go... it'll be fun to watch this develop!!!

Darned finances, always getting in the way! I know how it is.

Yes, Jordan's planning beast has re-emerged.

I'm not sure it ever hibernated, really. He says he hasn't looked at his spreadsheet since the beg. of Dec, but I seriously doubt Binder would let herself be neglected that long.

I will have some news on this later....still no new flight....yet.

 

[glennbo123]

I will have some news on this later....still no new flight....yet.

Planning on leaving for MCO early by flying standby?

 

[Tribilín]

Hey glennbo123... just catching up with your PTR!

Wow! I knew you were organized, but this is kinda.... scary

LOL! My "advance" for my next trip is asking my mom.

Me: Hey mom you want to go to Disney World next year?
Mom: Yes!
Me: OK!

 

[glennbo123]

Hey glennbo123... just catching up with your PTR!

Wow! I knew you were organized, but this is kinda.... scary

LOL! My "advance" for my next trip is asking my mom.

Me: Hey mom you want to go to Disney World next year?
Mom: Yes!
Me: OK!

If she's the one planning, organizing, and paying....what more do you need to do? But I'm a vacation control-freak, and have begun to understand that my real hobby is the planning.

Did you ask her back in 2009, which would mean that "next year" is 2010?

 

[Tribilín]

If she's the one planning, organizing, and paying....what more do you need to do?

Hehehee! No, I'm paying... and planning and everything
And I don't want her to know how much I'll be spending!!!

Did you ask her back in 2009, which would mean that "next year" is 2010?

Noooooo We've been talking about this earlier past year, but we were having serious economic problems so we accorded we should talk about that trip later. Then after New Year things looked a lot better and we decided to go next year... 2011.

I don't want to hijack your PTR so I'm just gonna say this:
. Maybe a nephew is coming with us
. I'm thinking POR or CBR
. Dad is not coming because he says "it's gonna be a lot of unruly children there!"
. I need to get everything done through a travel agent here in México. The "packages" include hotel, plane tickets, park tickets and airport-hotel-airport taxis.
. I will check if we can get the dinning plan... this trip I want to go to some TS restaurants (Mom won't approve fast food )
. At least one whole day should be used to visit IOA to see the Harry Potter attraction (mom's a fan).
. If nephew is coming we are going in June, if not then I'll try for a less crowded time.

So far that's what I have. And as soon as I have some stuff straightened around here I'll be putting some money down on the trip, perhaps by this May or June.