Airline costs for Southwest tom foolery.

[ddrongowski]

I noticed today that on the Southwest site the price of a ticket, changes with the more tickets you buy. It does not go down in price but up.

Example in October BNA to MCO for 1 person is $233, for 2 persons it is $233 each, but for 3 to 5 persons the same flight becomes $266 each. The MCO to BNA stays the same price no matter what.

So if I make one purchase for all 5 people it costs $2344.50 round trip.

But if I break it down to 3 separate purchases of 2 people (adult and child), 2 people (adult and child), and 1 person (adult) it only costs 2129.50. Doing it this way there is a $215.00 savings. Of that $215 I will spend $50 of it to get the early bird checkin option, thus the total savings will be $165.

Just wanted to let everyone know.

 

[Rob562]

It's not that the price of seats goes up strictly because you're buying more tickets. But rather it does that because there are only two seats left on that particular flight at the $233 price. Then the next price level available is $266.

When you book, it can't give some people on the reservation the lowest price and some people the next-lowest price. They all have to be on the same fare. So when you book with a group of people, you run the risk of your group having more people than there are seats available at the lowest price.
If there were 5 seats available at the lowest price point, you would've gotten all 5 at that price.

As far as I know, all airlines operate this way, it's not just Southwest. The way around it is to book as you already did: one reservation with as many people as there are seats at the lowest fare, and then a second reservation for the rest of the group.

-Rob

 

[Tomi-Rocket]

I'm glad we drive. Even with the price of gas.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

It's not that the price of seats goes up strictly because you're buying more tickets. But rather it does that because there are only two seats left on that particular flight at the $233 price. Then the next price level available is $266.

When you book, it can't give some people on the reservation the lowest price and some people the next-lowest price. They all have to be on the same fare. So when you book with a group of people, you run the risk of your group having more people than there are seats available at the lowest price.
If there were 5 seats available at the lowest price point, you would've gotten all 5 at that price.

As far as I know, all airlines operate this way, it's not just Southwest. The way around it is to book as you already did: one reservation with as many people as there are seats at the lowest fare, and then a second reservation for the rest of the group.

-Rob

This was what I was going to say. If you were to book the first two seats seperately and then go back to book more, you would probably see that the price has risen. I suggest purchasing the 2 seats while you can or you risk all your seats going up in price.

 

[ddrongowski]

Well I purchased the tickets.

first 2 tickets price $464.40 with tax and fees.
second 2 tickets price $464.40 with tax and fees.
last 1 ticket price $232.20 with tax and fees.

Total $1161.00

Thanks for the input.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

Well I purchased the tickets.

first 2 tickets price $464.40 with tax and fees.
second 2 tickets price $464.40 with tax and fees.
last 1 ticket price $232.20 with tax and fees.

Total $1161.00

Thanks for the input.

Very odd...but glad it worked out for you that way.

 

[marcriss]

Thanks for the info! One more thing to check before buying!

 

[nolatron]

I've been watching Southwest to see if they drop the airfare for us for September, so thought I'd test this. No matter if I put 1 Adult or 8 adults, the fare is the same. So sounds like it may just be a price bucket thing.

<shrug>

 

[Disney05]

I am able to get $99 tix today but Southwests site is having issues and won't let me finish the transaction. Frustrating. :hammer:

 

[bugsbunny]

I live in southern NJ between Philly and Atlantic City. So I get the benefit of possibly flying USAir, Southwest, or Air Tran out of PHL and Spirit out of AC. Regardless of the competition, airfare is RIDICULOUS right now. And today, Spirit just announced that they are going to charge as much as FORTY DOLLARS FOR A CARRY ON BAG! And they lowered their "overweight" threshold for checked bags down to 40lbs!!

I've been to WDW at least 25 times at this point. Always flew, but drove twice when I rented full size RVs. Last December we drove from NJ and did it in about 15 hours. Left 7pm on a Thrusday night and were checking in at 10am Friday morning. Me and Mrs took turns napping and driving and once you get south of DC, the speed limit is 70. There is NOBODY on the road at that hour except some truckers. And with Sirius XM, there is plenty of entertainment on the radio to keep your mind awake.

I have to tell ya. I don't think will ever fly again. For $200 in gas/tolls, I had the free reign of the property by driving my own car and not being a slave to the WDW transportation system and those wretched scooters!

Going again in October for 10 days and can't wait to drive again. Plus I won't have to shell out $1000 in airfare for the flights I WANT. The days of catching the $149 special at 5AM each way are OVER. I'm on vacation and I'm not giving the airlines my hard earned money for crappy flights and getting my 6 year old up at 3Am to get to the airport. :ROFLOL:

 

[WWWD]

Buying Separate Tickets

One caution I would have buying tickets this way is when you buy separate tickets, you might be treated as separate parties if the plane is over booked. We flew AA this last February and were only able to get 4 of 5 tickets at the discount price and paid more for the last one (two different transactions). Well, AA bumped the single ticket (me) as they saw me as separate from the rest of the group. AA tried to put me on a flight leaving a day and half later. It took several phone calls to get me back on the flight with my family.

 

[Victoria]

I live in southern NJ between Philly and Atlantic City. So I get the benefit of possibly flying USAir, Southwest, or Air Tran out of PHL and Spirit out of AC. Regardless of the competition, airfare is RIDICULOUS right now. And today, Spirit just announced that they are going to charge as much as FORTY DOLLARS FOR A CARRY ON BAG! And they lowered their "overweight" threshold for checked bags down to 40lbs!!

I've been to WDW at least 25 times at this point. Always flew, but drove twice when I rented full size RVs. Last December we drove from NJ and did it in about 15 hours. Left 7pm on a Thrusday night and were checking in at 10am Friday morning. Me and Mrs took turns napping and driving and once you get south of DC, the speed limit is 70. There is NOBODY on the road at that hour except some truckers. And with Sirius XM, there is plenty of entertainment on the radio to keep your mind awake.

I have to tell ya. I don't think will ever fly again. For $200 in gas/tolls, I had the free reign of the property by driving my own car and not being a slave to the WDW transportation system and those wretched scooters!

Going again in October for 10 days and can't wait to drive again. Plus I won't have to shell out $1000 in airfare for the flights I WANT. The days of catching the $149 special at 5AM each way are OVER. I'm on vacation and I'm not giving the airlines my hard earned money for crappy flights and getting my 6 year old up at 3Am to get to the airport. :ROFLOL:

And this is why I have completely sworn off flying Spirit. I used to be willing to make the 2hr drive to AC to get a cheap flight. Now with their constant nickel and diming of every single passenger, there are no good deals left. That is unless you are willing to sit in a random middle seat and have only the clothes on your back with you. :shrug: Next thing you know, Spirit will try to weigh passengers and charge them per pound. Only a matter of time before they put themselves out of business with all this nonsense.

I've never encountered the situation the OP is talking about, but it is indeed interesting. Glad I know about it now. Will keep it in mind for future bookings. I wish I had the patience (and time) to drive. After about 4 hours in the car I turn homicidal and combative. Doesn't even matter if I am the one driving or not. :shrug: I really hate the thought of paying so much to fly. Total waste of money.

 

[SnowWhiteMomma]

I've been watching Southwest to see if they drop the airfare for us for September, so thought I'd test this. No matter if I put 1 Adult or 8 adults, the fare is the same. So sounds like it may just be a price bucket thing.

<shrug>

Hello, from Mandeville. Flying vs. Driving from where we live... you only save 3 hours. I have flown many times, but now with 2 kids we were driving. This passed Mardi Gras we flew, leaving our house to Grand Floridian (via Magical Express) we only save three hours. I am not sure your situation, but I have a 5 year old ans a 1.5 year old. The flight was a direct flight as well. This was the first time I flew with the kids and didn't rent a car. All i have to say to that is NEVER AGAIN. My nanny loves the bus system, I hated it. The only park fast to get to for me was the MK from the GF. Anyhow, that is another rant for another time.

$1800 in airfare was not worth the 3 extra hours, not to mention all the time we lost waiting for buses.

A friend of mine is a pilot for Southwest and he said he can save up to 4 hours when he rents a car and doesn't use the magical express and has only carry-on luggage.

Well, I know everyone's situation is different, but that is my 2 cents. Oh, BTW we are going in September too!

 

[Disney05]

Just got my $99 return home flight on Southwest. Web site still has issues but was able to call this morning to book. They wouldn't help me on the phone last night. Still may try driving next trip though.

 

[mickeysshoes]

I live in southern NJ between Philly and Atlantic City. So I get the benefit of possibly flying USAir, Southwest, or Air Tran out of PHL and Spirit out of AC. Regardless of the competition, airfare is RIDICULOUS right now. And today, Spirit just announced that they are going to charge as much as FORTY DOLLARS FOR A CARRY ON BAG! And they lowered their "overweight" threshold for checked bags down to 40lbs!!

I've been to WDW at least 25 times at this point. Always flew, but drove twice when I rented full size RVs. Last December we drove from NJ and did it in about 15 hours. Left 7pm on a Thrusday night and were checking in at 10am Friday morning. Me and Mrs took turns napping and driving and once you get south of DC, the speed limit is 70. There is NOBODY on the road at that hour except some truckers. And with Sirius XM, there is plenty of entertainment on the radio to keep your mind awake.

I have to tell ya. I don't think will ever fly again. For $200 in gas/tolls, I had the free reign of the property by driving my own car and not being a slave to the WDW transportation system and those wretched scooters!

Going again in October for 10 days and can't wait to drive again. Plus I won't have to shell out $1000 in airfare for the flights I WANT. The days of catching the $149 special at 5AM each way are OVER. I'm on vacation and I'm not giving the airlines my hard earned money for crappy flights and getting my 6 year old up at 3Am to get to the airport. :ROFLOL:

The first time your 15 hour trip turns into a 20+ hour trip you might change your mind. Getting past Richmond can turn into a nightmare (at any time of the day or night) and just make you mad. But i wish you luck and hope this never happens to you. We use to drive (from No VA @ 13 hours for us) and our time is worth much more than flight costs so we now fly. I just have to save a more to cover the cost. But in the long run..for us its worth it.

 

[nolatron]

Hello, from Mandeville. Flying vs. Driving from where we live... you only save 3 hours. I have flown many times, but now with 2 kids we were driving. This passed Mardi Gras we flew, leaving our house to Grand Floridian (via Magical Express) we only save three hours. I am not sure your situation, but I have a 5 year old ans a 1.5 year old. The flight was a direct flight as well. This was the first time I flew with the kids and didn't rent a car. All i have to say to that is NEVER AGAIN. My nanny loves the bus system, I hated it. The only park fast to get to for me was the MK from the GF. Anyhow, that is another rant for another time.

We've flown several times to WDW from MSY. We've also driven several times too. In 2009 we drove with our 1.5 yr old. Boy was that a long drive! Last year we decided to fly and rented a car. Loved having the car to get around. Prior to the baby, when we would fly we would use a limo car to get to the hotel.

Timewise for us it's about 5 hrs from our door to hotel if flying (we live 15mins form MSY). It's about 9-10 hours if driving. So about a savings of about 4-5hrs of travel time for us. Flying cost a lot more, but beats sitting in a car for 9 hours straight with a toddler if the price is right.

$1800 in airfare was not worth the 3 extra hours, not to mention all the time we lost waiting for buses.

Yup. We're looking at $892 for 3 tickets roundtrip for September (plus about $150 for a car). To expensive for us right now considering the total cost of our trip, less travel, is $1200. Gas is expected to be about $200/RT. I'm hoping for a sale or something from Southwest to get that airfare close to half off. Unlikely, but I can hope.

A friend of mine is a pilot for Southwest and he said he can save up to 4 hours when he rents a car and doesn't use the magical express and has only carry-on luggage.

I've never used Magical Express, but it seems like that can really add on time to your travel as you have to wait for it and it makes multiple hotel stops. So that's why we always got a car.

BTW we are going in September too!

WooHoo! :sohappy:

 

[heartodisney]

I'm glad we drive. Even with the price of gas.

I am with ya on this..I have flown to the Kingdom three times, and HATE having to get up too early to pack..hussle to the airport and wait hours before your flight knowing you might have done alittle of something before you had to leave. I have it planned this year driving that on the last day we take the boat from the WL to the Contemporary, followed by monorail to the Poly for breakfast..a little shopping and then reverse back. Then we wave goodbye and have a good cry for a drive to our halfway point to visit relatives for the night and back on the road for the other half of the drive.

 

[rsoxguy]

I have no positive contribution for this thread. I post simply to state that I love the term "Tom Foolery", and I thank the OP for using it. Please, do proceed with the discussion.