Crazy Airfare Prices

[MN_Bhoy]

Not sure what to think. As a former airline employee with benefits I can see the # of seats available on future flights. For ATL-STT on July 27 and Aug 3rd, a total of 6 seats have been sold on 4 flights into STT. Despite that, the best price I could get on Delta for a roundtrip from Minneapolis (via ATL) is $806!!!

I am guessing that airlines are anticipating high summer volumes and/or fuel costs are pushing advanced rates up. Whatever the reason, I won't be paying $806pp and will wait to see what happens.

One other thing - if Spring Break volume to warm weather destinations is any indicator of summer travel levels, then we are in for some crowded airplanes! I was in MSP Airport very early Saturday morning for an east coast flight and could not believe the number of people waiting to check bags at all the carrier's counters. All security check lines were at least 30 mins and they were fully staffed - and this was at 5:30am. Good signs for the airlines, not-so-good for those seeking reduced-rate travel!!!

[mbw1024]

Another argument for not traveling on Saturdays if possible, which can be a problem because I assume most villas may prefer Sat to Sat rentals (??) and a lot of folks might not have the flexibility to travel midweek. For example, that non-stop that American (#655 outbound) has been running out of JFK forever runs $508 RT on Sat. yet I have seen it as low as $293 midweek a few months ago.

Is that AA non-stop available every day, even in low season?

[jmq]

Is that AA non-stop available every day, even in low season?

MB - I think it is (until it isnt LOL) but check kayak.com using +/- 3 days if you can and/or aa.com

[mbw1024]

Thanks. Was just wondering for future. We are set with air for this year but the way airfares are looking this might be our last visit for a very long while. If going to JFK makes it affordable we are open to that. Not first choice but better then nothing!

[sherban]

If you are trying to manage costs, I believe it is best to get airfare first then a villa.

Our June airfare is $344 RT PP from CLT

Woops, my bad ...a little misinformation here.....we got our tickets out of ATL this year...we're kinda between ATL and CLT...

[JJShaw]

If you are trying to manage costs, I believe it is best to get airfare first then a villa.

Our June airfare is $344 RT PP from CLT

Woops, my bad ...a little misinformation here.....we got our tickets out of ATL this year...we're kinda between ATL and CLT...

Last night I was thinking...he got a really good deal out of Clt...because we paid 334 our very first trip from Clt...and I double checked it when I read your post, for our dates..it was about 1017.00 Crazy...then I was thinking...he REALLY got deal...lol

[sherban]

Well, my wife received notification of low fares below 344 from CLT to STT...she got this ~ Feb 22nd from Travelocity, I didn't look into it because we had already comitted...

Alert! New lower price
Charlotte, NC to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
$308

Best price recently found by travelers*

[JJShaw]

Wow...that was a good deal...I just did ours all backwards this yr by booking the place and not the air first...I usually do the opposite and book air first....then find the place...but, with everything thats going on here and, everyone that had decided they wanted to go..(cringe) I cancelled and yes I'm disappointed we wont be going...but, there is always next yr...or perhaps later this yr...in the meantime...I still have a my sanity..I think..

[News of St. John]

My husband and I are planning to visit in late January for our anniversary. I just check American and it's only $320 pp for a direct, round trip flight out of JFK. Wow!

[Hawaii]

I checked airfare prices for months and finally purchased a little over a month ago. This was very frustrating as prices were fluctuating and I was getting nervous. Well, got a great price for the four of us. 367.00 per person out of JFK. For the people who are panicking I say when it feels right just purchase. My brother - in - law was just killed recently in a snowmobile accident in Michigan. My husband and I flew out last week for 4 days for 780.00 per person (bereavement rate). It all seems so silly now that I agonized over airfare. Our kids were going to go with us but the decision was easy once we found out airfare prices plus missing 3 days of school is very hard with a child in 9th grade. So our airfare for 2 people to Michigan was more expensive then our trip with four people to STJ. Life is short, if you can do it just purchase your tickets when you are comfortable. STJ can not come soon enough for us - this trip is so needed and can't wait till summer

[Rob7]

If you see good airfares, suggest jumping on them. With the upcoming merger of USAir/American, the number of seats on flights to all destinations will continue to go down. As we continue to have fewer airlines having fewer flights guess whats going to happen

[MadCityMom]

In April 2009 we paid $250 pp out of Chicago on Spirit (dh said he would never fly again), this year we are paying $572 out of Milwaukee U.S Air for the same time (Chicago slightly cheaper but not enough to make up for having to park sleep fly.). Had a very hard time choking the bill for 5 for airfare! dh would be flying spirit again if it were significant less. Wow what a difference a couple years makes. Villa cost is pretty much the same!

[philbetm]

Sherban, When I read your first post on what you paid out of CLT. I could feel the water start leaking from my eyes. We too are going in June and always fly out of CLT. Haven't even booked our flights yet....keep hoping it will go down a little. It is going to cost well over $700 per person right now! Just a little drop would make me happy. I did find lower prices but just can not digest it taking 22 to 24 hours to get there...esp. when non-stop is only a little over 3 hours. ATL. isn't giving me any better prices now either. We have even thought about using miles to fly into MIA and then fly round trip over to STT from there. The savings would be a lot! But, at the same time the flight schedule's we would have to take would cost us 1 of our days/nights on STJ. Just can't win it seems on this decision!

[Mary L]

Well, I keep on checking the prices and right now it's $819.00 on usair, this is really crazy,even more on Jetblue, I think we will be canceling the trip. My dauhgter book the place already, I wish she didn't do that because they will keep 10% of her depost, if you cancel before 90 days they shouldn't be able to keep anything.

[philbetm]

I really hate you will have to cancel...but I sure do understand ! We still haven't booked air yet...and our Villa is paid for in full! I am watching for any changes out of CLT...there are a total of 8 of us going. Hope something works out for you !