When to Pull Trigger on Airfare (Someone Push Me Off the Ledge!)

[LekiaHall]

Booked outgoing flights from DCA to MCO at comfortable rate ($70 pp, including taxes on US Airways). Now searching for flights home. Right now, US Airways has over 60-70% availability on 3 flights that would get my family home at a time I'm comfortable with. Rates are at $121 pp (not including taxes). Don't want to pay this rate...based on the abundance of availability on flights, do you think the fares will go down? We're flying into DCA, but will consider BWI if significantly cheaper. Date of return is May 9.

TIA for any guidance....I'm hesitant to pull the trigger (or click the mouse ).

 

[maxiesmom]

I would buy the tickets. My concern would be that if those flight do not sell, those flights will vanish, and then the prices would go up. If you buy tickets now, even if the flight changes, you will have paid a good price.

 

[Missytara]

Booked outgoing flights from DCA to MCO at comfortable rate ($70 pp, including taxes on US Airways). Now searching for flights home. Right now, US Airways has over 60-70% availability on 3 flights that would get my family home at a time I'm comfortable with. Rates are at $121 pp (not including taxes). Don't want to pay this rate...based on the abundance of availability on flights, do you think the fares will go down? We're flying into DCA, but will consider BWI if significantly cheaper. Date of return is May 9.

TIA for any guidance....I'm hesitant to pull the trigger (or click the mouse ).

I would check BWI; they have been a bit lower from time to time. The only issue will be that your car will be at DCA.

Try checking super early in the morning - Tuesday through Thursday. I booked my flights around 6:00 am the minute I got to work, and by lunch time they had gone up another $20.00.

I have gotten airfares from BWI to MCO for as low as $59.00.

 

[JessGWI]

I used to work for Hotwire.com, who is well known for its rapidly fluctuating rates. Here is what I used to advise anyone having the same problem you are: "Think of a price you are comfortable with. When you see it BOOK without delay." And when I say comfortable, I don't mean rock bottom rates we all desire, but rather, what can your budget comfortably afford for that item? Sure, it is always possible that rates will go down. Getting a price you can agree on, but then seeing it drop stinks, no argument there. But its a lot better than not booking and seeing your price skyrocket, and not having a good rate locked in.

 

[LekiaHall]

Thanks for great advice. Some of your points actually point to why I'm torn. Paying $121 pp, one-way is not a comfortable level for me....this fare seems to be at the high end of the spectrum. Would prefer something around $75. Booking for 5, so the difference in cost adds up quickly. Hmm......decisions, decisions.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

When I am in a crisis of neurotic indecision over flights, I look at the fare predictor on bing.com. For a flight from DCA to MC0 on 5/2 returing 5/9, the RT price is $165 for 1 stop each way and it suggests that you BUY, as there is a 77% likelihood that fares will increase. You might try it for your trip and see if it gives you the nudge you need.

I also find it helpful to look at my alternatives if I never find a resonable flight. It looks like you have already booked one way. Are you comfortable paying any change fee and moving your flights to different dates so that you can get cheaper airfare? Best of luck -- Suzanne

 

[Lewisc]

Thanks for great advice. Some of your points actually point to why I'm torn. Paying $121 pp, one-way is not a comfortable level for me....this fare seems to be at the high end of the spectrum. Would prefer something around $75. Booking for 5, so the difference in cost adds up quickly. Hmm......decisions, decisions.

SW has 195.40 R/T for your dates out of BWI.

Sunday is a peak travel day. The only way to get the fare you want is to book the 7:55a flight.

Returning Monday 5/10 offers better availability.

What will you do if the return fare increases? Cancel your trip? Drive? You might book with SW. Either book the early return fliight. Hope to be able to switch to a later flight if the fare goes down. Or book a better flight time and hope to get a credit if the fare goes down.

 

[Hedy]

I'd book now. I booked BOS-MCO for August last week (on Jetblue), and it just one week, it's gone up $25.

 

[emmabelle]

I would be concerned with the Sunday return, I would say you might see prices lower on a Tues or Weds return, but I wouldn't chance the Sunday return. For me, prices seem to go up once you get under the one month mark, but I'm flying from MA.