Tricks to nabbing good airfare to Disney

This morning I got a notification from Disney regarding a Destination in Florida client.  It seems that their flight information had changed and since they booked those flights through Disney, they were notifying him.  On his return flight home, his layover went from one hour to THREE.  Wow, that’s a kick in the teeth, isn’t it? I mean on the way home – when you are tired and just want to get home and get back to normal…a three hour unplanned layover?  That’s the pits.

His recourse?  Nada.  Nope, not without a $200 change fee per ticket in addition to any fare increases.  He booked with a regular credit card that didn’t cover delays in travel.  Most don’t, unless you have a Platinum business traveler card.  Would this have happened if he had booked flights on his own through the internet?  Perhaps.  Might he have had better luck adjusting his flight directly with the airlines had he not booked airfare through Disney?  Maybe.

Although it’s convenient to have Disney book your flights for you, it might not always be the best way to go…I suggest you check it both ways and compare.  Special internet fares are not always available through Disney.

Here is what I tell clients when they ask if I can book airfare through Disney:

• I can book airfare for you through Disney but you may  find a better deal on your own by watching the discount carrier airfare sales online.  The best carriers for sales are typically Southwest, AirTran, and JetBlue.  The cheapest day of the week to fly is Tuesday.
• Remember that the best day to buy tickets is also on a Tuesday.  I will even get more detailed than that – shop on Tuesday around 3 pm.

Why?  Typically, when an airline launches a sale it happens late in the day on Monday.  When other airlines get wind of this, they immediately begin lowering their prices to compete.  All airlines that decide to participate in this process will have finished by early Tuesday afternoon – so 3pm is a safe bet.  You should have the most options available by this time.  Please note, these fares are almost always yanked on Thursday and if you buy on the weekend you will be paying more than you should.

Here are a few sites to help you get started:

• Kayak – helps you compare airfare on different airlines at different airports.
• Airfare Watchdog – track your airfare to see if it changes!
• Southwest Airlines – my favorite carrier for their great baggage policy as well as price guarantee.  If you find your exact flight for less than you originally booked it, Southwest will offer a credit to your account in the amount of the difference.

Keep in mind, this is a guide not a set formula.  Good luck snagging that coveted airfare.  I still remember when I could wait for that $49 airfare from Baltimore to Orlando and plan my trip around the airfare.  Boy, those days are gone aren’t they?!

Want weekly tips like these delivered directly to your inbox?  Contact Cameron – Disney Specialist with Destinations to Explore, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.  Her services are always completely FREE!  cameron@destinationstoexplore.com

Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.

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