When to book airline for Christmas?

[Ub_Iwerks]

We are meeting relatives in WDW at Christmas. When is the best time to book airfare? (Is there a good time?) Anyone know when Southwest releases Christmas dates?

 

[Bill From PA]

That's a very busy travel time. I'd have bought by now if I were going then. Most established carriers start selling tickets 330 before the return flight, some of the newer 'discount' firms have a shorter window.

Bill From PA

 

[HappyCamperToo]

We're waiting until SWA flights are available, probably sometime in August!

 

[MomofCKJ]

We are going Dec 15-22. We got our flights in February. I was too impatient to wait for SW. I had a price of under $200 in my head per ticket and when I found them for $177 from Boston to Orlando, non stop, I jumped on them.

Allyson

 

[HappyCamperToo]

We are going Dec 15-22. We got our flights in February. I was too impatient to wait for SW. I had a price of under $200 in my head per ticket and when I found them for $177 from Boston to Orlando, non stop, I jumped on them.

Allyson

We'll be there almost the exact same dates! By the time we decided on the trip, airfare was $300, now $428! I'm waiting for SWA....Which airline did you end up with?

 

[MomofCKJ]

I booked with Song which is now on Delta. Yes I know all the troubles they are in lately but I am a glass half full gal and I am confident all will be well with Delta by December. Well enough for them to get me there and back!

Allyson

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I would not hesitate to book as soon as possible. You don't want to be left with no availability because you were waiting for SWA.

 

[Ub_Iwerks]

It looks like we are leaving Dec. 22 or 23 and returning Jan. 2. I checked on some flights returning Dec. 30 or 31, and those were twice as much as the flights on Dec. 29th. I'm hoping Jan. 2 flights won't be too bad. At this point, I'm just going to wait for SW flights to come out. That's what we usually fly to MCO. The great thing about them is if they drop the price of the flight, you can cancel and rebook at the lower price and you won't have to pay a penalty. You just get a credit for a new flight.

 

[johnnyr]

At this point, I'm just going to wait for SW flights to come out. That's what we usually fly to MCO.

We have gone at Christmas time for the past few years. We fly out on 12/26 and usually return around 1/2 depending on when we have to be back to work. Last year, airfare was so high with all of the major carriers, I decided to wait until SW opened up their schedule. Well, they must have sold all of the flights with decent flight times within the first few hours. By 10:00 am on the day the came out, the only thing left was late departures outbound and early morning on the return. We would have lost our first and last day of our vacation. Luckily, I found cheap fare with USA3000 and didn't experience the horror stories that some have with the cancelled flights.

Christmas is a very busy time in WDW. I have my flights already booked for this year. Got US Airways at the 330 day mark at 1/2 the price they are now. I would suggest if you see something at a decent price, grab it. Expect to pay more than you usually would any other time of year. Orlando is a very popular destination around the holidays. If you decide on SW, be one of the first to book. The tickets will not last long.

 

[TumFamily]

We are flying out on 12/26, too. I better start checking it out!!!