Should I jump on this fare? Need quick help!

[3kids4me]

I really need help from you experienced TUGgers

Disadvantages:

Three hour layover in Washington
Not a direct flight
Have to come back a day early
Have to pay now for next February
Don't know what Jet Blue/Southwest (from Hartford) may charge, but patterns indicate it could be quite high.
Not a United frequent flyer/mile accumulator (I have a number and some miles..but not an airline where we are building our miles)

Advantages:

***Can't seem to find a fare nearly as good as this***
Fare for this itinerary has already gone up $40 per person (I'm protected until midnight)


Thanks for any help!!


New York to Orlando Saturday, February 17

Flight Departs Arrives Stops Class
United Airlines 7346 New York (JFK)
Feb 17
12:20 pm Washington (IAD)
Feb 17
1:52 pm Non-stop Coach
United Airlines 1565 Washington (IAD)
Feb 17
4:55 pm Orlando (MCO)
Feb 17
7:08 pm Non-stop Coach
Orlando to New York Friday, February 23

Flight Departs Arrives Stops Class
United Airlines 1552 Orlando (MCO)
Feb 23
7:30 am Washington (IAD)
Feb 23
9:34 am Non-stop Coach
United Airlines 7310 Washington (IAD)
Feb 23
12:40 pm New York (JFK)
Feb 23
1:52 pm Non-stop Coach

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total airfare per person (including taxes): USD 257.70

Total airfare (including taxes): USD 1288.50

[gmarine]

I personally wouldnt take those flights. I would wait until Jetblue and/or Southwest comes out with their schedule. This is especially true if traveling with children as its a long layover.

I also dont like to change planes during winter unless absolutely necessary as it adds another chance at weather related cancellations or delays.

[Debbie0329]

This is school vacation week - if you don't mind coming back a day early I think I would go for it. Airlines are starting to charge more because of fuel costs - I paid $187 RT from Boston to MCO for the week before - but that's not school vacation week!

Deb

[Jimster]

It doesn't seem very enticing to me. Alot can happen between now and then. The good news is it is with UAL and they will reprice if the price goes down and give you a voucher for the difference for future travel.

[ciscogizmo1]

We've been traveling with our kids for years and they have never been bothered with the layovers. There are no direct flights from Sacramento to Orlando. I think they will be fine. Don't do what I did and wait (see my Honolulu post)? My kids are 5 and 8 now....

I booked in February for a New Years Week in Orlando from Sacramento. It was $350 per person. That flight is booked because it is a favorable red-eye. Anyways, the cheapest flight available now is $538 per person.

[gmarine]

Its a different story when you have no option of nonstop flights. In this case there are multiple airlines and multiple airports with nonstops. There is no reason to settle for those flights this early with Jetblue and Southwest still to come out with their schedules.

[myip]

Originally Posted by Jimster

It doesn't seem very enticing to me. Alot can happen between now and then. The good news is it is with UAL and they will reprice if the price goes down and give you a voucher for the difference for future travel.

Does it cost you money to price your fare with United? I thought they charge you a $100 change fees.

Maria

[3kids4me]

Thanks all...I decided to wait.

I guess we could always drive...lol....

(I'm totally kidding; even driving the nine hours to Williamsburg was rough for us!)

Sharon

[Luanne]

Originally Posted by myip

Does it cost you money to price your fare with United? I thought they charge you a $100 change fees.

Maria

They charge you $100 to make flight changes. If the fare goes down for your schedule itinerary you can get a voucher. BUT, if they change your intinerary AND the price has gone down, they will change the flight without cost, but won't issue a refund voucher (at least not without a lot of fighting with them )

[JillChang]

I paid $400 for non-stop from Toronto to Orlando during March break. But traditionally, it always costs more to fly out of Toronto (high airport fee). I didn't want to drive to Buffalo for the cheaper Southwest fare.

However, in your case, I would wait for Southwest or Jetblue fare. Also, if you keep watching the fares, I am sure you will find a non-stop flight for similar price. During the 2 weeks I was watching the fare, prices go up and down all the time.