Wait for Southwest or search for other airline deals?

[DisneyDaze36]

Calling all DVCrs who use air travel.

We are heading to BWVs in November and have flown Southwest the past two years. Roundtrip per person price is between $200-$250. The prices are very consistent. We are always able to get a morning departure and an afternoon return flight. Bookings on SWA do not open until mid June. Do I wait till then to get their going rate or do I attempt to find a "better" deal?

We will be flying out of Philadelphia International Airport.

Thanks for your comments.

 

[Tara]

I'd wait for those fares- they're often low on the day fares are released but then jump up pretty soon after that.

 

[Goofy DVC]

We fly out of Philly and always use Southwest. I usually book early then prices go up most of the time. Then, if they come way down I go back on SW web site and click change flight and pick the same exact flights at the cheaper price giving me a credit for a future flight. P.S. The credit must be used within one year of your booking.For me that's not a problem, as I do a ton of travel. Good Luck

 

[gojoe]

We fly out of Providence. We also fly Southwest. I booked the flights we want right away. First flight out, last flight back (non-stop). Then I check at least once a day. If they go down I change the itinerary and get a credit. I also book each leg separately because sometimes a Ding will only be available on one leg and not the other. You have to chancel your flight then rebook right away. Again you pocket a credit. One year we went from $ 1,200.00 initially they went down to $ 500.00. My wife and I took a trip in November and another one in April on the credits.
I also try every airline in our area at least once a week. None come close on price and convenience.

 

[CarolMN]

Moved from DVC Boards for more answers.

 

[pamjb]

I booked SW the day of the last fare opening on 3/23. We know we are going 10/21-10/25 and. The fare was $115 PHL-MCO when the schedule opened. It has already dropped to $100 each way since then, and I have credit to use for future travel.

While I could of booked another airline for a cheaper fare, till I would add on checked bag fees, it would be a wash. While DH and I could go carryon only (we have an Owners Locker) the 2 other couples we are traveling with can't. I have flown SW almost exclusively for 4 years now and I love them. AirTran has started flying out of our local airport (ABE), but the schedule changes make me wary. I like my nonstop flights.

 

[sweetdana]

I was in the same boat, going dec 16-24th. I found a price I could live with on NW, and although I would love to have free bags and possibly a better price, if it had been higher by more than 50$ a ticket, we would have cancelled our trip. SOOO I booked it, at a price I could live with.

So here is my opinion.. If the price is acceptable to your budget, (Say you searched for weeks and it was the best price) BOOOOOK IT, you will not regret it. If prices go down 50$ a ticket the chance of not going would cost you 200$ if a family of 4. But you will know what is available, and you do not know what there sched will be or if they are for sure cheaper. NEVER think about it again. EVER!

If the price is really at a place, you might not go at all with, then watch it like a halk, and see what happens.
GOOD LUCK!