althom1122

My husband and I are planning a mid-September trip to Greece and would like to fly directly from Athens to Santorini upon arrival from the U.S.

A few days ago before we finalized our dates, I saw some Aegean flights for only 41 Euros. Now that we've booked and are locked into dates/times, the cost is 162 Euros. Our flight arrives from the U.S. at 9:10 a.m., so we can't get on one of the cheapest early morning flights.

Should we go ahead and book at 161 Euros per person? Or wait and hope there's another sale? Also, what about other airlines that make the fight. I've seen some cheaper ones, but they don't seem to get good reviews.

After Santorini, we're taking the ferry to Naxos for a few days, but would then like to fly back to Athens for the rest of our trip on the mainland. So, the same question applies - book now at what seem like expensive prices? Or wait and hope they come down? Or go with another airline besides Aegean?

Suggestions?
Thanks,
Karen

doug_stallings

Once reason why early morning flights from Athens to Santorini are cheaper is because they aren't suited for people connecting from the US. So demand is less. I couldn't begin to tell you if you'll get a cheaper rate. You can put an alert on Google Flights and keep an eye on the rates. But that's the best I could offer. Flights are typically reduced starting in September, so there are generally fewer daily options.

Naxos has a very tiny airport, so there are only going to be a couple of flights a day, and the only service is likely on Aegean. The ferry takes about 4 hours, so perhaps you'll just want to do that. Ferries are frequent.

althom1122

Thanks, Doug. We'll watch fares for a while but may end up revising our itinerary and take the ferry (we arrive too late the first morning to catch the ferry).

doug_stallings

I actually meant taking the ferry from Naxos to Athens. For me, the ferry TO Santorini takes too long. I would not hesitate to fly, even if it costs 161 euros.

althom1122

Ah - got it. Thanks.

OverIt

Howdy - are you planning on spending any time in Athens? I ask, because we are flying one stop from Boston to Santorini on Swissair on August 31, ferrying over to Naxos, flying from Naxos to Athens, and flying home from Athens.

Our Swiss air flight (Bos-Zurich-Santorini; Athens-Zurich-Boston) was only $680 ( fare is still available).

The flight from Naxos to Athens was 80 euros.