Wait or book for March??

[SiClone]

Here's my problem:

On Monday the 29th, I originally tried to book a oneway NS on Airtran from Minneapolis to MCO at $177 per person (there's 5 of us - including DS2) for 3/13. It was the cheapest and their departure time was perfect for us, i.e. DS12 and DS10 would not have to miss school this day (would only have to miss Friday prior to spring break). However, their return flights/times on 3/20 sucked so 2 one ways made more sense and were less costly, too. After hitting purchase, Airtran said those seats were sold and next class on same flight was $55 more.

I looked and was able to book same flight on cheapoair for only just a little more than the original Airtran rate. Great - I thought.

I went ahead and booked the return NS flight (which was cheaper then our departing one). Confirmed my II exchange for 3/13-3/20 and ordered all my wdw tickets, including P&P for the 19th.

This morning, 11/2, cheapoair emailed me telling me they could not secure my tickets and that it would cost $300 more for the same tickets on the same flight. They did not charge my CC and would not do so until I contacted them. I called and complained but to no avail. Never using them again...

Same flight directly through Airtran now costs $175 more (total). They are still the absolute cheapest for NS on 3/13 and the departure time works.

Should I just bite the bullet and book direct now or go with a wait and see approach? What's your more experienced (with airfares) opinion?

TIA for reading and commenting...

 

[Bob P]

Hi,

Waiting for airfare is like playing the stock market! Sometimes you look really smart by waiting, and sometimes, well...not so smart. Sometimes the price will go up, and sometimes it will go down.

Are you a gambler? My opinion is: if you are comfortable with the price now you should book it.

 

[SiClone]

Well, I decided to book one day earlier on the 12th. It will be a late flight, leaving at 7:40 and arriving at MCO at 11:40 PM. Saves me $650 from what it would be if we were to leave on the 13th at the same time. I'll use $120 or so for a cheap hotel and taxi ride when we arrive and then take the hotel's free shuttle back to MCO in the morning to pick up the rental SUV. This will give us an extra FULL day in Orlando, too, so that made the decision easy.

 

[Rcustsupport]

Dear SiClone,

I am sorry you had a bad experience with using our system to secure a reservation with Cheapoair. Our computer system displays availability for flights based on a Global Delivery System, it can take upto several days for the airlines to update the inventory, and in some cases may not be able to reserve the flights you have selected. Myself have been trying to secure "Cheap" flights for a family vacation to Orlando for April, but was unsuccessful. It appears you have done the wise thing and chose to be flexible with your dates, that was the best option to take.

I am glad it appears it all worked out for your, Cheapoair is dedicated to offer a pleasant and successful experience, but at times we are at the mercy of the airlines, they control the flight availability and pricing. If there is anything else I can assist you with please feel free to email me at: randrews@cheapoair.com, I have been to Orlando many times!