When/Where is the best time to buy plane tickets from Hartford to Orlando for the end of January 2007?

Question

Tickets right now are around $300... will they go down as the dates get closer or should I buy now??? I've been following fares on travelocity. Is there a better source???

Answer 1

$300 round trip for anything is a good price, thats about average you are going to find. The further in advanced you book something the cheaper it will be. Right now, Delta offers non-stop service from Hartford, CT (BDL) to Orlando (MCO). They used to have Song (Delta's version of a low cost carrier like Jet Blue) in and out of there, but when Delta did away with Song, mainline Delta and Comair took over that route. The closer you get to the date of travel the more the price goes up because the discount tickets sell first.

Also if you book this far in advanced to lock in the price you need to keep in mind that schedules change seasonally. You can book the trip now and the flight time may change or the non-stop service all together may cease. So, you would need to follow up in the week before you travel to verify the schedule is still the same.

Using the travel websites can bite you in the a$$. Websites like Priceline, Cheap Tickets, Lowestfare, Hotwire etc buy the tickets in bulk. These are already restricted fares, and they restrict them further. They are nearly impossible to change unless you have a documented medical reason or death in the family. So you would need to be certain you are going to fly then. The other problem I had when working the ticket counter is that these websites do not notify people of the changes that may occur when an airline changes their schedule. Although Travelocity advertises that they do, I have had more people tell me they were never contacted, so it would be up to you to keep yourself advised of any changes. All schedules are subject to change with or without warning.

In the fall airfares generally go up. Not as many people are traveling, contrary to belief summer travel is discounted more than the fall to high tourist destinations. So, if the market dictates that less people are traveling and willing to pay a little more, then the prices go up. The cost of fuel will drive a price up or down as well. Right now most airlines, including Southwest, have added $10 or more to their base fares. You also have to consider the cities you travel in. Orlando is a high tourist destination any time of year so if you can get a cheap far, book as soon as you can honestly. Friday and Saturday departures will always be more. Sun-Thurs are generally cheaper. Also keep in mind that if there is an event in the area at the time, fares will be more expensive and the discount fares will sell out fast.

Start with Orbitz.com it is owned by the airlines that participate in it. See what fares are available and then go directly to the airlines website. Usually they are the same fares and sometime cheaper or just a lil more expensive, but will offer you better schedules and non-stop options. Be careful when choosing your flights. If a non-stop flight is offered, always opt for that rather than saving $30 for example. Saving time is better than saving a few bucks. Delays can occur, and its easier just to go non-stop if you have that option.

Southwest offers non-stop service from Hartford as well, but all airlines are competitive now and Southwest prices are the same as what you will find with Delta. With a major carrier you will have a seat assignment rather than a cattle call. Southwest does not pre-assign seats and its first come first serve. They also do not participate in travel websites, so you would have to go directly to their website but they only book 4 months in advanced. Again, I have seen the same fares and sometimes cheaper fares on Delta.

I worked for Delta for many years, so Im biased. But shop around and keep in mind you have 2 for non-stop service. Prices are the same, just have to decide which airline appeals to you more.

Since you have some time, sign up for Travel Zoo, its a weekly e-mailer that sends you travel deals. Ive found some really good sales that way. Also keep reading the travel section of your local news paper, they are always on top of the fare sales.

Answer 2

Sounds like a pretty decent price. It also depends on the class and airline.

Generally with airfare, it doesn't go down as the date comes closer. Now, if gas prices come down, there is the chance. You also have to consider that more people are buying air right now for summer travel, so fares may be a little higher, but really shouldn't affect your dates.

The thing to do is watch for any specials. You have plenty of time to get the air. I generally like buying my air around 6 months before the trip. So, you have time to watch the air. Look for any specials online or in your newspaper. Also, check on different days of the week. Most airlines offer lower rates if you buy the tickets on Tuesday or Thursday. If you are flexible with your travel dates, you could also try changing your dates.

Finally, check directly with the airline. I'm not a real big fan of the "online discounters" but, I have found that the airlines site usually is a little less, while it may only be $10, you don't have to worry about any problems buying tickets from other sources.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Try the Southwest web site. They have great low fairs. Get onto their "Ding" alert which will automatically alert you when a special deal is available. You have to act fast. I've gotten flight to Jacksonville, Fl for as low as $44 each way. Not to bad.