I always struggle with airfare and I will tell you my last experience for I just purchased for April 2014. I started trolling airfare for my dates as soon as they were released. I was able to search early because we were able to book WL 11 months out. Airfare was "reasonable" but I thought for sure it would and could only go down. When I started looking, it was in the low to mid $400's. I waited....and waited. Not only did prices go up but times, connections...they all changed too. I usually fly United and wanted a connection via Denver or Phoenix because SFO is a nightmare. Southwest was a lot more reasonable but we would have to fly out of San Jose and stay in hotel prior. Never flew Southwest before and worried about sitting together, especially at connection times. If it was just me and my husband, I'd chance Southwest but not with my daughter. United airfare only continued to climb and what gets me is that they may "drop" airfare for one leg of your trip (ex: going to MCO) but then it almost doubled on return. That was the case even when I was checking very early out. Ended up going with a different airline and paid more but I budgeted for it and at the end of the day, the more direct route, better times and staying out of SFO was worth the extra money. But it would of been nice to find a "bargain." I think finding a bargain is going to be harder and harder. It's been on the news lately about the carriers putting in more seats! Unbelievable, we're packed in like sardines already. Note: we are flying during Easter/Spring Break so take that into consideration. Holiday airfare is always difficult, especially Christmas. Do your research, jump on it when you find a price you're comfortable with.