Holiday Sailings Legend

[td1356]

Everyone says to book air early for Holiday sailings. Airfare on 12/25 - 1/2/2010 is very pricey right now. I am wondering if I should wait on

Southwest to book. They will have non-stop from Indianapolis to Tampa.

I am hoping that Southwest would be below the $400.00 that I am seeing

right now. Assuming I will not be able to book this until August?? I have also check Cincinnat and Dayton. All are very high.

I thought traveling on Christmas Day would be cheaper but I guess not.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I would prefer non-stop

as my 80 year old parents will be traveling with us.

Thanks,

Teresa

[Twickenham]

If you can get to Detroit and fly out on the 24th, I'm seeing Spirit nonstop for $185 (the 25th is $300).

[td1356]

Thank you for your quick response. Detroit is out of the question. Family

holiday stuff on Christmas eve. Can't leave Christmas day before 3:00 pm.

Can fly out of Indy, Cincy, Dayton, Lexington. Detoit is 4 hours and with

weather conditions iffy in December not worth it.

 

Is Christmas Day a high travel day? I am amazed at that price into Tampa.

Thanks,

Teresa

[Twickenham]

Oh well, just a thought.

I suspect what's happening is that there are fewer flights on the 25th, therefore increasing the premium on existing flights.

 

At the end of the day, you are travelling during a high travel period. It will cost more that say some random week in October. You have to prioritize your various criteria (price, nonstop, airports, etc.) and determine which combination works best for you. Although important, price isn't everything.

 

Waiting for Southwest might not yield a better price, but may yield the best package for you overall as they seem to offer the nonstop flight you desire.

[wrp96]

One thing to remember is that yes, less people travel on Christmas Day itself BUT the airlines may offer less flights that day as well.

 

Remember that if you wait on Southwest you may be waiting awhile. BUT, if you really want non-stop even if they happen to be more expensive, it would be worth it to wait for Southwest.

 

At this point, I would wait but keep monitoring. If you happen to see flights that you feel comfortable with, that are within your price range I would go ahead and book at that point.

[td1356]

Thanks to all. Your suggestions were helpful. I will try to be patient.:)