When to book airfare for May trip?

[labdogs42]

I just got back from Disney on Saturday but I'm champing at the bit to set up my plans for May! I know we're going from May 5-12 and we're staying in a vacation home 9first time trying that!). What I don't know is when I should book my airfare. I have never tried Southwest and I see I can't even look for fares past February yet. SO, I guss I should wait until I can check their prices? Or should I just price the regular airlines first? How cheap could a DING be from Philly to Orlando round-trip? What price should I hold out for? ANy ideas? On our past trips, we've paid about $220 round trip on USAir (before taxes, etc). Thanks for your help!

 

[1000th happy haunt]

This past May I was able to book PHL-MCO for less than $100 per person round trip using a Southwest DING.

I've also been able to book on US Airways for $159 per person round trip. But that was before the price of gas skyrocketed.

Right now gas prices are going down, so maybe the airlines will follow with better prices. I'm now a dedicated Southwest person.

 

[labdogs42]

WOW -- $100 each -- that's amazing. How far in advaance of your trip was that DING?

Does Southwest still have the no assigned seats thing? Do they let people with kids board early (my son will be 2 on this trip)? Thanks!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Yes, SWA has no assigned seating and yes, one adult may pre-board with a 2 year old.

I would not buy any airline ticket for a trip next May yet, unless I found a fabulous deal. Plenty of time to wait for a good deal.

 

[loveysbydesign]

We got great Dings from PHL last May it was only $368.00 roundtrip for 4 of us! 34 down and 39 back i believe we booked in Feb. Keep watching those dings!!!!