Airline Reservations

[NancyAZ]

I'm not an experienced flyer at all (although not a novice). Is there a best time to make reservations between now and the RT? Has the best time already passed? I've been a little hesitant to this point because I really don't wnat to pay the extra for non-refundable tickets, and you just never know what might come up (although I would be heartbroken not to be able to go!). Any tips?

[crm549]

Nancy if you live close to Phoenix, I would be taking Southwest Airlines and flying into Philadelphia.
Southwest won't give you a refund if you need to cancel but they will allow you to use the cost of that ticket and apply it to another ticket at a later date without penality. The only caveat is that you have to use it within one year of the original ticket reservation.

Check out there website at www.southwest.com.

But I do understand you apprehension. I got caught that way with Continatal Airlines. And won't even fly with them anymore because of the change fee/refund policy.


Saundra

[lorrayne]

Hi Nancy,

I would suggest you look in booking a ticket either on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Traditionally, ticket prices fall on Wednesdays and then begin to rise on Thursday.

Having said that, you can book your flight and keep track of the prices. If they fall more than $160, contact the airlines and ask for a refund of the price difference. The refund will most likely the difference less a $150 change fee. For example, I book a flight that cost me $400. Two weeks later, I see that the same flight is now $200. I call the airline and get $50 credited to my account (400-200=$200 credit less the $150 change fee equals $50).

Contact the airlines to ask about this scenario for their policies.

Hope this helps.
Lorrayne

[NancyAZ]

Saundra and Lorrayne, thanks to both of you for your advice. I was looking at US Airways and Southwest, so I'll keep an eye on both of those for price drops. Great tip on the Tuesday/Wednesday thing!