Advice/Tips for Airfare Over Christmas

*Arubalisa* · 07-20-2009, 02:17 PM

Any suggestions or guesses on upcoming sale fares for Christmas.

Dates are flexible. But flying from NYC, MIA or FLL and ATL.

Right now Saturday to Saturday 12/19 - 12/26 is least expensive because there are extra flights on the schedule. But missed sales on Jet Blue and Delta.

Chadd · 07-21-2009, 03:15 PM

Domestic airlines have cut capacity by an average of 10% or so compared to last year. If you aren't taking many bags, spirit usually has some absurd deals to FLL if you book far enough in advance. Otherwise pick a number that you're willing to pay and jump on the deal. Prices rarely go down around Christmas.

serene56 · 07-23-2009, 12:47 PM

Find a flight(s) you are interested in-- (like the non stops) and use a site like Yapta. Put in one passenger- It will keep a track of those flights for you. WHen the price comes down it notifies you

Last week I was able to grab a flight for one of us for 104. too FLL. Never seen it under 160.00 so I grabbed that one. (at least I am going--lol

But if I saw it once for that price I am sure i will see it again. Looking at the flight seating chart--so far its only my seat is sold.

*Arubalisa* · 07-23-2009, 01:32 PM

Thanks Serene and Chadd. I have set up a fare watcher.

As usual Atlanta is the highest fare!

DL needs competition!!!

With three people it is cheaper to drive to FLL and fly Spirit to AUA than UA through IAD or US through CLT.

Savings of over $350.

Chadd · 07-23-2009, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arubalisa

Thanks Serene and Chadd. I have set up a fare watcher.

As usual Atlanta is the highest fare!

DL needs competition!!!

With three people it is cheaper to drive to FLL and fly Spirit to AUA than UA through IAD or US through CLT.

Savings of over $350.

You do have to watch Spirit and their charges, they're a bit more aggressive than anyone else. That said, they treated me like royalty the one time I had to use them to get to Aruba. I was traveling on my jumpseat pass and the experience was fantastic. A few people complained because I had a larger carry-on than their rules permitted but the flight was fantastic and the "big front seat" is priced appropriately for what you get. Same service, just a bigger seat.

DL does have pretty good competition in ATL. AirTran is running some fantastic specials right now. They just haven't expended into the islands, yet. For $50 a head more than my standby passes, a friend booked a christmas trip to Orlando for his family on AirTran and the flight is direct, no connections. Normally direct flights cost a bit more as people are willing to pay a bit more to avoid a connection. DL will usually be the most expensive for you no matter what.

*Arubalisa* · 07-24-2009, 07:22 PM

Thanks again for the great advice.

Blows my mind UA fares went up $10 pp since this a.m. and DL went up $20 pp. Could be worse.

Just need the family to decide how many nights and non-stop vs. connecting.

*Arubalisa* · 07-25-2009, 06:44 PM

We booked early this afternoon. Got the last 4 tickets on CO at one fare, an hour later the seats were another $30 per person.

Unfortunately the fares on Delta went from $549 on 7/11 to $799 today, but we are going and that is what matters. Last time we went for Christmas and booked in April, the fare from Atlanta was $1100 pp, so still feel like it is a bargain.

Thank you everyone for your help.

07-20-2009, 02:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
Arubalisa Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 5,605 Images: 80	Advice/Tips for Airfare Over Christmas Any suggestions or guesses on upcoming sale fares for Christmas. Dates are flexible. But flying from NYC, MIA or FLL and ATL. Right now Saturday to Saturday 12/19 - 12/26 is least expensive because there are extra flights on the schedule. But missed sales on Jet Blue and Delta. __________________ Aruba Bound! ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Blogging to Aruba

07-21-2009, 03:15 PM	#2 (permalink)
Chadd Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Arikok Antilla Natural pool Posts: 613	Domestic airlines have cut capacity by an average of 10% or so compared to last year. If you aren't taking many bags, spirit usually has some absurd deals to FLL if you book far enough in advance. Otherwise pick a number that you're willing to pay and jump on the deal. Prices rarely go down around Christmas. __________________

07-23-2009, 01:32 PM	#4 (permalink)
Arubalisa Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 5,605 Images: 80	Thanks Serene and Chadd. I have set up a fare watcher. As usual Atlanta is the highest fare! DL needs competition!!! With three people it is cheaper to drive to FLL and fly Spirit to AUA than UA through IAD or US through CLT. Savings of over $350. __________________ Aruba Bound! ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Blogging to Aruba

07-24-2009, 07:22 PM	#6 (permalink)
Arubalisa Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 5,605 Images: 80	Thanks again for the great advice. Blows my mind UA fares went up $10 pp since this a.m. and DL went up $20 pp. Could be worse. Just need the family to decide how many nights and non-stop vs. connecting. __________________ Aruba Bound! ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Blogging to Aruba

07-25-2009, 06:44 PM	#7 (permalink)
Arubalisa Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 5,605 Images: 80	We booked early this afternoon. Got the last 4 tickets on CO at one fare, an hour later the seats were another $30 per person. Unfortunately the fares on Delta went from $549 on 7/11 to $799 today, but we are going and that is what matters. Last time we went for Christmas and booked in April, the fare from Atlanta was $1100 pp, so still feel like it is a bargain. Thank you everyone for your help. __________________ Aruba Bound! ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Blogging to Aruba

07-23-2009, 12:47 PM	#3 (permalink)
serene56 Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 177	Find a flight(s) you are interested in-- (like the non stops) and use a site like Yapta. Put in one passenger- It will keep a track of those flights for you. WHen the price comes down it notifies you Last week I was able to grab a flight for one of us for 104. too FLL. Never seen it under 160.00 so I grabbed that one. (at least I am going--lol But if I saw it once for that price I am sure i will see it again. Looking at the flight seating chart--so far its only my seat is sold.