I don't want to get yelled at for being a cheapskate. I know no one has a crystal ball but does anyone think airline fares will drop after the summer. I am taking my family of 5 from South Bend IN. to Orlando in Dec. right now fares are about $280. per person. Which I don't think is to bad. In the spring fares were about $250. If they drop back to $250. the $150. would be worth the wait.
Any input would be great. Thanks, Thomas.

Early December or over the holidays? Saturday stay? (From some airports and with some carriers, it doesn't matter. From others, it can matter a lot.) Weekday return or will you want to return on a Sunday? Departing for your trip on a Friday or will a Saturday do? School vacation period? Connections involved? Do you have much flexibility on dates? You may be able to do better -- or you may end up PAYING an extra $150. I'd say the chances are about even either way and if I took a guess, it wouldn't be my money or inconvenience if I happened to be wrong.

You can fly out of either Chicago aiport for $143 per person. Check fares to Orland and Tampa. You can get the $250 fare from South Bend, best chance is if you return by Dec. 14. Try the flexible dates option at travelocity, starting in Dec and through Dec. I agree with Flyboy that you are taking a risk and could find that you are paying more than $1400 airfare. And the 5 of you could end up on different flights. One-way car rental from SBN to ORD should cost a total of $70 or less for a full size car.

Meant that you can get the $250 SBN fare today.

I suggest that you sign up with Travelocity. They have a feature that emails you everytime fares between your chosen cities change. As competitive as the routes to Orlando are, its not unreasonable to think that someone will have a sale sometime, and if you are ready, you can jump at that time. Sometimes, once you are alerted to a good deal, you can match or beat it by going directly to the airline's web site.

Thanks Everyone. you all are a wealth of information. Sounds like I just need to be a bit more creative. Thanks again.
Thomas