Wait for SWA or book now?

[WDW88]

We haven't flown commercial airlines for sometime now and are looking to fly the busiest week of the year…Thanksgiving! I thought that SWA historically had the lowest fares, but am not sure that is currently the case. When I search for airfare on SWA for a random set of dates (as November fares do not come out until mid May) they are sometimes higher than AA for my Thanksgiving travel dates. I have found rates for my thanksgiving travel dates that I am comfortable with, but not sure if I should wait until SWA releases their dates and see if it brings down the fares across the board. My friend who works in revenue management for SWA claimed that most carriers have prices out there that are crazy high and will adjust once SWA shows their fares. Thoughts on this?

 

[DebbieB]

We haven't flown commercial airlines for sometime now and are looking to fly the busiest week of the year…Thanksgiving! I thought that SWA historically had the lowest fares, but am not sure that is currently the case. When I search for airfare on SWA for a random set of dates (as November fares do not come out until mid May) they are sometimes higher than AA for my Thanksgiving travel dates. I have found rates for my thanksgiving travel dates that I am comfortable with, but not sure if I should wait until SWA releases their dates and see if it brings down the fares across the board. My friend who works in revenue management for SWA claimed that most carriers have prices out there that are crazy high and will adjust once SWA shows their fares. Thoughts on this?

What city are you flying from and what is the amount you see with AA?

 

[wdwjeffc37]

Remember the other major airlines charge fees for checked bags and can have very restrictive rules concerning changes to tickets. SWA does not charge bag fees and has one of the most liberal ticket change policies out there. Make sure you compare the total cost of the tickets including taxes and bag fees. Typically, SWA has the lowest fares for where we fly from. If you are happy with the rates that you are getting from AA then book them and quit checking for cheaper fares. It will make you crazy to see the fares fluctuate afer you have already booked. Good luck and have fun!!!

 

[WDW88]

We (5 of us) are flying out of Dallas. Saturday evening, I found $375 per person round trip, departing the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and returning on Sunday. Of course, now the ticket price has already increased to $434 per person. I understand what PP is saying about baggage fees and ticket change policies. SWA cannot be beat in that regard. I guess I need to come up with a spreadsheet that accounts for all of these variables. Wish there was a way to figures out at what price point SWA "Wanna Get Away " prices will start. My insider at SWA says they start the Thanksgiving prices higher as there is always a demand for those flights. Just wonder how high.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Remember the other major airlines charge fees for checked bags and can have very restrictive rules concerning changes to tickets. SWA does not charge bag fees and has one of the most liberal ticket change policies out there. Make sure you compare the total cost of the tickets including taxes and bag fees......

There are many ways to get free checked bags on an airline. This can be accomplished by attaining a certain frequent flyer level, buying a more expensive fare class ticket, buying your ticket with an airline branded credit card, etc. Be sure you consider the cost of EBCI for every family member, which I would definitely buy Thanksgiving week and are going to to add up to a significant amount on top of ticket cost. You won't need this for an airline with assigned seating.

OP, tickets for Thanksgiving week are going to be high for all airlines. Southwest does not always have the lowest fares and when they release fares, you aren't going to find any bargains for your travel week. You can buy tickets now or gamble that the price will be lower for Southwest.

 

[Jen_in_NH]

I'm not a flight expert by any means, but I usually look at the current prices and figure what an acceptable price is for me. When I find a good flight schedule, convenient airport, and that price, I book it (even if Southwest isn't released). It has always worked for us.