Getting reasonable airfares?

MrsAmers · March 2014

Pre-kids I knew what websites to go to and what was reasonable for airfares. I haven't been on a non-business plane ride since 2008.

A quick search makes it look like we'll pay about $1200 fit the four of us to fly to Florida in April.

These days, is it better to book through the airline websites or can you really find better deals on the aggregator websites.

Any suggestions appreciated. If we don't figure out what we're doing soon, there won't be a spring break trip!

amyjoy18 · March 2014

We don't fly a lot, but I have found that most of the airline sites, and the other such as Travelocity and Expedia are always very close. I usually end up going with whichever one has better rewards with swagbucks or the CC I'm planning on using.

I usually track the prices on flights I'm interested in for a few days to see if there is any fluctuation.

rona118 · March 2014

For FL, I always found Southwest or Air Tran with some great deals..... And I am not sure Southwest comes up on Orbitz or travelocity. I hear Tuesday is the day to check flight as fares change (for the better) then. Not sure if Spirit still flies out of Latrobe? I realize PIT is closer for you. They use to have some crazy good fares, but can get you with the bag fees. What is nice about Southwest. but no paying for parking at Latrobe.

egpitt22 · March 2014

we flew southwest to Orlando, I think the fare was around $120 each way per person. I waited until there was a special, then booked that same day. (it had previously been around $160 each way) I also opened up a southwest credit card because they were offering a 50,000 point bonus if you spent a certain amount of money on the card within 4 months. So I got the 50K points, then continued to put most of our purchases on that card to rack up more points...by the time we needed to book the tickets, we were able to get all 4 for free!!

csuave · March 2014

$300 per ticket is pretty good for Orlando. DH flew there a few days ago for $300 on Airtran/Southwest.

On straight up air tickets I don't think there is a price benefit to using Orbitz/Expedia/etc. However, those sites will probably give you savings if you combine air with hotel and/or car.

When I booked our honeymoon we did it as a package on Expedia. They were the lowest price for the air + hotel package. Plus when I connected to their site through the Discover card site I got 5% cashback rewards on the trip through the Discover online shopping program.

lishie · March 2014

We paid about $300/person for Orlando in November when we went with all the fees included. You could also check Spirit out of Latrobe. They occasionally have great florida rates (and they have free parking).

Meghan&Rich · March 2014

$300 was about the price we were getting when we were looking at possible trips to Florida.

If you are willing to drive to another airport, a family friend recently flew on Allegient Air from Columbus to Tampa for about $150 round trip.

northhillsbride · March 2014

Pittsburgh airport taxes are CRAZY! Hence why prices always seem high. (I flew to NYC from Houston in early October for $220. When I was looking to fly to Pgh in mid-November, cheapest was $340.)

I just booked tickets to Dublin for the Fall and, no joke, the 5 of us are flying for about $130 less than 4 of us flew to the same location (from Pgh) two years ago. (Yes, Sean is technically "free" but we do still have to pay about $120 in fees. So, we're at about $250 less than our last trip.)

I have found that the travel sites are typically within $20 of the proce you'll find on the airlines' websites. (And you won't get the airmiles if you book through the travel sites.) That said, I always start wtih Kayak.com to find their lowest price, then go directly to the carrier's site.

Definitely look into Southwest or Spirit, out of Latrobe. We flew to Myrtle 3 summers ago from Latrobe and paid under $450 for 4 of us (that's including baggage). Granted, the trip was a Wednesday- Wednesday, but we had the flexibility.

And as someone else recommended, check into other nearby airports, though I personally never found the prices to be that stellar up there when you factor in the drive, extra travel time, etc. Here in Houston, while we live near International Bush, Southwest only flies out of Hobby (about an hour away). But, an hour is very doable and we might find a time when it's worth the savings!

I have also heard that while Tuesdays are the best day to book, don't book any closer to your trip than at least 3 weeks out, or else prices jump significantly. (Also, traveling on Mo, Tu and Sat are the cheapest days.) Good luck!

MrsAmers · March 2014

Thanks for all of your input and letting me know the fares I'm seeing are reasonable/average. I may or may not have the patience to search for the very best deal. :-)

I'll probably be able to get a hotel discount through work, but we would need a rental car, so I'll look for packages.

billiburrows · March 2014

i just booked my family a trip and i used Liberty Travel on mcknight road. I called and spoke with Wendi. i'd definately recommend. they pricematch orbitz, expedia, etc.... and she helped me think through things and find the best deals. for instance she helped me figure out i should fly via southwest b/c of their cancellation rules (i may have to cancel the trip but won't know until later). Southwest there is no pentaly for rescheduling within a year. for usairways there is a $200 per ticket charge... she also found cheapest rate to be thursday to tuesday for us. and she recommended buying the early bird check in for southwest so you can make sure your family sits together. doesnt hurt to give her a call. i didn't think i'd end up actually booking with a travel agent but ended up being much more helpful for my needs. Tell Wendi Elise sent you! i just booked a family trip to Jamaica!!!!

Getting reasonable airfares?

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