What's the secret to getting really cheap airline rates?

[ehsween]

We live in Michigan and last time we went to Disney (Jan. 2002), we drove. It was a long 22 hours. We drove all the way to Atlanta on our first day. It took us 18 hours. That was with a 6, 4, and 2 year old. Then we finished the trip the next day.

I would love to fly if we could get those cheap rates (like under $100). The kids would love it and it would be so much less stressful. But any time I check rates, it's at least $250.00 for each of us plus we'd have to rent a car when we get there.

So tell me people, how do you get the super cheap rates?

 

[Doug123]

We're from Michigan, too. I can't remember seeing any flights under $100. I have at times, though, seen flights for around $200 (but even that's rare).

I suggest keeping on eye on certain travel web sites, such ww.travelocity.com and www.orbitz.com, as well as the airline sites such as www.nwa.com (Northwest), www.usair.com (US Air) and www.southwest.com (Southwest).

Make sure you don't forget all the money (along with the wear and tear on your car) you're spending when you drive. Flying isn't THAT much more sometimes.

 

[ehsween]

It just amazes me when I see some people say that they got airline tickets for $98. Are they last minute deals or how does that work?

 

[SamanthaL]

Also if you are only doing WDW stuff and you stay on site you really don't need a car. For around $90 you can have round trip limo service with a grocery stop on the way to the hotel. The money you save on renting a car may just equal a plane ticket. Something to consider.

 

[SamanthaL]

Originally posted by ehsween
It just amazes me when I see some people say that they got airline tickets for $98. Are they last minute deals or how does that work?

We now have Jetblue out of Boston. Even as cheap as they are my tix still cost $175 each. I think it depends where you live. These $100 deals could be from states closer to Orlando or on very off times and dates.

 

[crazywig]

one word: southwest

our tickets from providence to orlando are $115 each roundtrip and that includes the fees and taxes. (it was a $49 each way promotion)
dates are june 6-11

 

[ehsween]

I remember talking to a lady on our trip in Jan. 2002 who flew out of New York and her tickets were under $100. It was not a close flight to Orlando, but it was in the off season. However, at the time I had checked when we had went and I definitely didn't find any tickets anywhere close to that rate. I guess we are just unlucky for having to fly out of Detroit.

 

[seashoreCM]

two words: check often

Promotions appear randomly and usually only a few seats are available on any given airplane. Some are last minute deals.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[cindy21494]

I remember just about a month ago US Airways had really cheap airfare in our area. I think it was around $98.00. You had to be really flexible with your travel times though. The times going down weren't bad, but the return was only one time 6:00am.

Not sure if you have US Airways in your area, but sometimes you can get really cheap airfare if you are flexible with your times.

Good Luck.

 

[JKanownik]

If one of the discount carriers (Southwest, Song, Jetblue or Airtran) doesn't fly out of your local airport, search surrounding airports. Depending on where you are in Michigan, the drive to Cleveland Hopkins might not take too long and you could get the $49 Southwest flights there.

-Josh

 

[ziggystardust]

Out of NY - airfare to FL is always pretty cheap. I've paid as low as $69 each way. Sometimes package deals on expedia will give you really cheap airfare.
I don't know why it would be so much more expensive from Michigan, NY is a 24 hr drive from Orlando, so technically its a little further. It might have something to do with the number of flights that go there on a daily basis.
One tip is - book as far in advance as possible (the closer you get the more $$ it gets) and try to book flights that depart and arrive on Wed. (thats usually the cheapest day of the week)

 

[mcgrawfan]

I think it really depends where you live and what airport you are flying out of. We live in Iowa and I have never had a roundtrip ticket less than $230 on Northwest out of Des Moines. I have heard that our DM airport is one of the more expensive ones. We don't have any of the discount airlines yet. Hopefully, we can get a terminal for Southwest or JetBlue sometime. You can always sign up for an airlines free frequent flyer program. Even if you don't have enough miles for a free flight you may get a deal. With our Northwest World Perks program we will sometimes get a notice in the mail for discounted flights for certain dates. I think the last one would have gotten us round trip to Orlando for something like $189 or so.

 

[bcvprincesses]

We are from Michigan also and the trick is to keep checking prices every day. We are flying Spirit in Dec for $69 each way. I have had good luck with Spirit and I check the website every day. One day it could be over $200 each way and the next day $69. I know that I would never want to drive to Orlando Friends have also found cheap rates on AirTran out of Flint. Good luck

 

[cindyfan]

I agree to check airports near enough to fly out of.....you may hit a real good deal....

But all the suggestions to use Southwest worry me
Especially flying with 3 kids!

My DH travels a lot (we always use frequent flyer to go to WDW )
and he usually flys Continental. But with recent budget cuts and the need to make last minute flight arrangements.....
He uses just about all the airlines now.
BUT.....the worst by far is Southwest!!!
They have done everything from lose his luggage to try and bump him from flights, to making him practically make a tour of the country to get where he needs to go!
He said it is a ZOO trying to get a seat (they don't assign seating, first come, first served)
He tells everyone that SW is the worst he has ever flown....and he's done Value Jet, etc!!!

Anyway.....I know a lot of people on these boards love the deals they get on SW.....but with 3 kids in tow....I would rather have peace of mind and pay a few extra $$ to get a direct flight with a reliable airline.

Keep checking the internet for deals.....timing has a lot to do with it too. If you are able to make last minute plans....most airlines have those......but not sure if you would get 5 on one flight......

 

[disneydiz]

We always fly Spirit. They always beat NWA's price. Keep checking their website. I signed up for their cyber deals, and the notice I got yesterday showed flights to Orlando for $69 each way.

 

[Chicago526]

A lot of it is timing, and a lot of it is distance to the city you're traveling too. The longer the flight, the higher the fare (which makes sense, of course!)

Timing is just grabing a sale when you see one. Distance, you don't have much control over.

Also, the t.v. adds that show $79 for ticket are one way fares BEFORE taxes are added in. The $79 is really more like $230 to $250 by the time you buy a round-trip ticket WITH taxes.

There are exceptions, sometimes your really CAN find $150 rountrip fares from the Mid-West. But not often, and it won't be in the near future with the gas prices going up. It takes a lot of fuel to fly an airplane, and you can't blame the airlines for raising ticket prices to protect themselves.

Your best bet is to try flying either on Southwest or at least from an airport that Southwest flies from. They almost always have the lowest fare, and their low fares keeps the big guys down in price.

 

[hauntedcity]

I was able to get some great rates (which was actually the REASON for my trip to WDW next month) by using the "Flexible Dates" search option on Expedia. Rather than saying when you want to travel, select "My dates are flexible", then select your starting & destination airports. The system will give you a month-by-month look at the lowest rates in the system. Best of luck!

Doug