When should Jace book her August airline ticket???????

[cypressgirl]

My daughter has talked me into taking her and Jace back to STJ Aug. 7. Littlecypress and I booked on AA with FF miles. Jace has not booked yet because she wants to work a few weeks this summer and make money to but her ticket. I've been watching AA prices from Houston and they were 483.(plus tax and fees) a few weeks ago, then 493. last week, 533. yesterday, and now today, back to 483.

Do any of you have any idea what she shoud do? I can loan her the money to buy her ticket now, but I'm wondering if the price might go lower for Aug. or do you think we are getting too close for any big deals?

She could fly on US Air for 421., but she is a very nervous flyer and doesn't want to travel alone. Plus the girls really have a blast on the plane together.

I would like to just buy her ticket, but Mr. Cypressgirl has put his foot down. We pay for her trip while there, but he won't pay her air. She would not let him anyway. She is such a sweet girl and I'm just trying to figure out how to save her some money.

[Xislandgirl]

I am in the same boat. I will be heading down between 8/7 annd 8/15. The Fares keep jumping up and down and I am thinking that I should just book, my TA says that she expects them to get higher due to gas prices.

[pswlrw]

First of all, that's awesome the girls are going back!! Secondly, I'd book the ticket now and have her pay you back the money. I always feel better knowing it's done and I figure the stress relief is worth the extra few bucks if the prices go down a bit.

[cypressgirl]

I'm kind of thinking the same thing. Just book it now and get it over with. I doubt it's going much lower.

How are these prices decided?????? I can't figure it out.

X......maybe we can meet up at the BB. I'm sure we'll be hanging there a few nights.

[obsessedmuch]

With gas prices, booking now is probably a good idea.

Heck, if tickets outta here were that low, I'd book and go with you!

[PA Girl]

I agree that buying now is probably worth the stress-savings, so to speak (but then again, its not my money I am spending)

We had a whole flight/cost thing going on for the last trip and ultimately, I wish I would have just purchased the tickets I wanted as the savings were not worth the stress that resulted from the actual price decision.

[cypressgirl]

I think gas prices are going to push prices up and not down.

Obcessed......if you get a good deal at the last minute you should join us. There is room for one more in our condo if you don't mind sleeping with me. Bug is pretty excited about the idea.

[sailorgirl]

I've been watching airfare for a trip on 8/18. I agree with everyone, I don't think the fares will be going down as gas prices continue to rise... Can you say " Thank you Bush/Cheney" . My group set an arbitrary date to purchase, and then we decided not to bother checking fares again. Next week is the deadline.

[cypressgirl]

Maybe I should start a new topic, but do you who travel that time of year buy trip insurance?

[sailorgirl]

I am getting insurance... used Travel guard once before. never had to make a claim so i don't know how good they are. I think it pays for peace of mind

[Heather]

A couple of thoughts...I've been to St. John 3 times in August and am headed back again this August. I love being there at that time of year even though I know it's a bit of a gamble. So, I always buy travel insurance. I did have to use it once for a category I storm and boy was I glad I had the insurance! Also re: the plane ticket. I know with USAir (unless they've recently changed their policy) you could get a voucher for future travel for the difference if the price goes down. Don't know if this works for the airline she's flying, it's worth giving them a call. And the only way I get answers that I consistently trust is to ask an agent at the airport. I usually can't get an accurate answer from anyone one the phone except for maybe a preferred miles member rep. Good luck - so glad you're going back!

[MrsCARolph]

Cypress, I would get the ticket ASAP if I were you. I was holding out on our tickets, hoping for a lower price and instead they were raised by $300 per person roundtrip! Now we've had to adjust our travel dates by a few days to save the extra cash. Good luck with your ticket hunt...hope you can buy low!