Airfare question - IAD and CLT

[Rebecca in NOVA]

Hey all,

Thanks for your feedback on my earlier villa question, I think we've finally settled on going back to Idyllic (in June) due to its kid-friendly bedroom layout. We got my husband's mom to commit to full-time nannying for the nearly-2-year-old in exchange for a free trip, so I think we'll all be happy! I'm hoping to book the villa this week.

I was noodling around looking up airfares just for planning-ahead purposes and came across a flight from IAD (Dulles in DC) to STT for $325. That seems pretty cheap -- seems like last trip we had to pay >$500. I was wondering if we should go ahead & buy airfare, even if it's still pretty far out, or if we'll see this price again. It shows a direct flight from IAD to STT, but a connection in San Juan (not my favorite, but the cheapest) on the way back -- anyone know if there is a direct flight back to IAD on certain days?

Finally, the direct flight from CLT (where my mother-in-law lives) is a whopping $1100 right now. Any opinions on what a good average price is from there for a direct flight to STT?

Thanks for any airfare insights & experiences!
Rebecca in No. VA

[jmq]

Anything close to $300 is very good these days. Certainly, nonstop going to STT is more important than return flight in terms of potential for delay and lost luggage.
Last time we had to go through SJU, but we didn’t have to change planes, which wasn’t too bad. Again, much less chance for screw ups and 2nd best choice to nonstop.
So check that return flight for a plane change when/if that info is available (might be too far out now) and do a search +/- 1-2 days to answer your question re nonstops on return flight, or get feedback from other IAD users.
But for me, if that home bound flight doesn’t involve a plane change, it almost becomes a no brainer at $325.

[sailorgirl]

Seems to me they way to go is to have Mom come up to DC and all fly out together. Doing the math I got to think a flight from CLT to DC is less than $700. Happy planning

[flip-flop]

I would jump on that price from IAD. $321 is the 2nd cheapest I've seen from there. Cheapest being on AA for $280 or so. We typically see rates around $450-600. I have never had to pay more than $500.

[Ksea]

I would get the IAD-STT tickets now. Like FF said, its normal to spend more than $500 for them.

[GQH]

I would book at that price. I can't remember if I learned about it here, but www.yapta.com allows you to enter the specifics of your booked travel (or trips you are just watching for that matter) and the website sends you emails when the price goes up or down. If the fare you book goes down, my understanding is that you may be eligible for a price adjustment.

[Chet]

We found the IAD to STT via San Juan is the best deal. The change in flights at SJU required dashing the longest distance between point A and B. The "On Island" experience started before the flight to STT - the pilot came on and said he was waiting for a delayed flight so passengers could get their bags. The delay was 45 min, and we missed the 3 from Red Hook, but you can bet that someone was very happy to get their gear on board. Last year we had a lost bag and it took 2 days to coordinate delivery.

Your price is low, so book it. Having the ticket is one step closer to STJ!

[Rebecca in NOVA]

Thanks everybody, I will hop on the IAD flights as soon as I get the house booked! It will make vacation seem like it's coming sooner...

Thanks,
Rebecca in No. VA