Another flight question!

[LimeGreenCheri]

I don't fly very often. As a matter of fact, I hate to fly, but I want to take my DD down 2 days early in Dec and I want to stay 1 day extra. So, I'm looking to buy a one way ticket and a round trip ticket. How do I go about doing this? How do I sign up for a fare watch or something? Do I just go to each airline? Help!

Did I mention I don't like to fly? :shock:

[JeanC]

I don't know how you find out the best prices. We live in Charlotte, NC where US Air has pretty much of a monopoly on all flights anywhere and we never get any great deals. But, as far as one way tickets go, the last time we tried to do that, it cost $1 MORE for a one way ticket than the cost of the roundtrip ticket. I still don't understand the rationale. That was several years ago, and I hope things have changed. Or maybe it was just US Air robbing us again. Good luck to you -- hope you find a fantastic rate!

[HappyCamper]

I receive emails once a week from both USAir and SouthWest. Go to their websites and sign on if they fly from your area. I'm sure other airlines offer e-savers as well.

JeanC is right about USAir's somewhat lack of discounts. My sister lives in Charlotte and RT tickets can run as much as $3XX from there to here. Every now and then, though, those flights are reduced to about $150 RT to New Orleans and as low as $128 to Baton Rouge.

If you are in an area like Charlotte with one airline, try checking on airlines that may fly into other airports that are reasonably close. For instance, air fare into Atlanta can be pretty steep, but if you can rent a car/have someone pick you up/drive to and park in Birmingham, Al, rates can be much lower.


I've not used orbitz or travelocity, but I'm sure others here have and will let you know what to look for and how to use them.

Good luck - I'm glad you're extending your trip!

Debby, who isn't comfortable with flying, either

[Pacha]

We have used Travelocity for all our airline tickets. It's easy and free to set up a fare watcher on thier site, and they will e-mail you when that fare drops. I also get fare alerts from Southwest and AA. I do have to say that in the few years we have been buying airfare on-line, the airlines own sites have never beat Travelocity. Our last tickets we bought on Travelocity for AA, they were cheaper than AA own site by almost $100 per person. It may be different for others as living in eastern Nebraska we have a limited chioce of airports and they are both pretty small.

Pacha

[SuzyQ]

LGC, we use the travelocity fare watcher (as said before, just go to the website and it is easy to sign up).

When I hear that the rate has dropped, I do a quick check on Orbitz (once in a while I can find it even cheaper) or I call the airline by phone (I have found that Alaska Air - for our area - had cheaper rates over the phone than online!)

Good luck to you as I know that I'm still trying to figure out the easiest way to get tickets and I love to fly!

~Suzy

[Rosebud]

I've had the same experience as SuzyQ. Found out the cheapeast online rate I could get and called and asked for cheapest rate over the phone and got a cheaper rate over the phone. Plus rates can change hour to hour, day to day, week to week - you just have to keep watching.

[smallworld0]

I was just turned on to a great site from a Sunday newspaper aritcle, that gives you details on last minute deals from airlines at your airport. Log onto www.smarterliving.com. Then enter your email address in the upper right hand corner and they will ask you where you live and which airport you want info for.

Another thing I use is SideStep. It was a free download that wnehever I get on a major carrier's site and type in my flight particulars and press enter, Side Step comes up on the lefthand and asks if I want them to show all the flights, from cheapest to most expensive, for all the particulars I inputted already. You can actually book through them, but I find the flight and then book through the major carrier as I save the handling charges.

Nancy :mickeyXmas:

[LimeGreenCheri]

Thankyou all so much for your suggestions! You are a great group of helpers! :notworthy:

[Tinkerbell]

:tink: Has anyone here tried Jet Blue Airlines? They have direct flights out of JFK to Orlando. I'm flying back east in September & going into JFK & the round trip is only $270.00. Their coach seats are just a little wider. You each have your own TV/music & headphones. Here's a link to see their flight plans & if you choose to book a flight, make sure that you join first so you can start adding up points. http://www.jetblue.com/travelinfo/routemap.html Happy traveling! Even for those scady :shock: cats on the flights. I used to be, now... it doesn't matter. :tink:

[LimeGreenCheri]

I've looked into Jet Blue, but the only place you can go from Atlanta is Oakland Ca. :shock: It does look like a good airline. Clark Howard, a local radio, tight with money, personality, has recommended them. And according to my grandmother, Clark Howard's word is gold!

[MargaretJ]

Tinkerbell I have heard nice things about Jet Blue but have never personally flown them.

Cheri unless Delta or Air Tran comes out with some great fares that can be purchased one way you will do better buying a round trip. Just pick a return date a week or so after your original flight. I hate to say it but I just don't think we will ever see those good fares to Orlando anymore out of Atlanta.

[Ursulinda]

I have a friend who's flown JetBlue and loves it! They apparently know how to treat their passengers.

Cheri, Can I ask why you only need a one way ticket? You're not coming back??

[LimeGreenCheri]

Cheri, Can I ask why you only need a one way ticket? You're not coming back??

I was looking to drive down with my inlaws and fly back with my family, but I've got it all worked out now! :wink: