Weadles

As I posted earlier, I'm planning a family reunion to Turks 2nd week in November. We're taking some elderly family members, so I wanted a nonstop out of New York. The prices on Jetblue fluctuate by at least $100 per ticket from a Tuesday to Wednesday of the same week ( Nov. 6th and 7th). And go even higher on Thursday, the 8th. Then all the fares come back down by almost $200 per ticket all the way through until the week before Christmas.

Is there some reason for the expensive pricing that week? I have checked island calendars and don't see any major events scheduled for the time of our stay. Any advice/suggestions would be very appreciated! Thank you!!

blamona

Air to Provo is ridiculous! But if you don't mind connecting, you can try

Matrix.itasoftware.com. Click on continue to matrix. You can't buy them through there but it will show you who has lowest fares, including connections.

You could try united out of Newark

Direct from JFK you're at their mercy. Recently they had Wednesday sale fares to Provo.

Personally, and I could be wrong, but if gas prices keep going up, I think air is going to keep increasing too. Yuck

blamona

Also try kayak.com
They will tell you were to book at the different prices

Weadles

Darn it! But thank you, Blamona! I just got off the phone w/ Jet Blue and you are confirming what they said- airfares are only going to go up. They will give us a travel credit IF there's a sale, but that's the best we can hope for it seems. My elderly MIL can't really connect since she has some mobility issues, so we're stuck. Thanks, anyway!

KVR

That is why I don't book until about 6 weeks to 3 months out and then look everyday until I can find a price I can live with. I don't like Kayak because many of the sites they offer don't use my departure airport, so there is no point. Because of my remote location, I usually spend $300 - $400 more than people who live where a International airport is located. I would so love to pay the prices Jet Blue is offering.

If you ever want to book a package with a known on-line booking agent, you can find discount codes at retailmenot.com I have used them several times and not just for travel. Every little bit helps.

Weadles

KVR,

From everything I'm hearing, the prices are likely to go up, esp. since there's only one nonstop out of JFK most of the week. So it benefits us to pay upfront now. I just can't get over the differential between one weekday to the next.

qwovadis

Provo/GT are small islands half way between Nassau and San Juan
limited service big demand fairly captive market why air costs a lot. spirit.com aa.com usually give me way better cheaper rates into other islands. Frequently pay for my trip on airfare savings. Why I do not go to Provo much these days. Somight check over there to save.

Good luck!

blamona

Unfortunately Spirit stopped flying into Provo years ago.

United has non stop from Newark, may be a consideration to you. Nice planes they use too.

Keep in mind, that if you do save money by connecting, airlines can always help your mother in law either by wheelchair to get out of the plane or by golf cart through the terminals and gates. Every flight seems to have one, so that might help a little too.

KVR

Anyway you can change weeks to get the better price? Since it's so far out might not be too much of a problem for everyone to change the date.

We had planned to go to Barbados in August, but change to the first week of Nov. Decided it would be too hot and too many kids. Right now I'm finding the prices the same. I'm hoping I can get air and hotel for $3,000. Right now it's hovering at $3,500. I just keep looking until it hits where I want it and then book.

Over the years, I've seen prices jump all around, it's nothing but a patient waiting game. I've found closer to the date of depature, prices go down. Might not be air, but hotel prices. They need to fill those rooms.

Weadles

Thanks to all of you for the advice. I'm used to the waiting game, but with gas prices only going up, I think this time it may not pay to be patient.

United only flies nonstop to Turks on the weekends. But I was able to move the trip back one day which saved my MIL and other family members nearly $120 per ticket! It seems very random. And annoying!!

KVR

We go somewhere every year the first week of Nov. or the first week of Dec. I never book until summer is over and all the kids are back in school. Prices go up in the summer and drop in fall. Living in the oilfield area of West Texas I have a good reference for knowing when the oil prices will go up and down.

I'm glad you found a discount. Have a good trip.

BellaClaire

I work for a technology company that services the travel industry. Air fares are crazy...some things to keep in mind....in the winter, prices to the caribbean usually are up. In the summer, prices to the carribean usually go down. Low season is Fall - except for Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Years. That said, taxes are going up....airlines are taking planes out of the market, so demand is up.....it's tricky.....also, airlines negotiate long term oil/fuel contracts...so day to day shifts don't really impact costs unless their contracts are expired. Also, keep in mind that you need to calculate any ancillary fees, like checked baggage, seats, when you are shopping around.....good luck!

Weadles

Thanks, BellaClaire! We travel a lot, so I'm used to seasonal fluctuations in prices. But this just made no sense at all. I was trying to book my MIL and other family for a specific date- November 7th- and it was coming up higher than almost any other date until right before Christmas! I should've taken into account that there is basically only one nonstop from NYC to Turks during most weekdays, so that drives up the price, too. Oh well. Guess I learned something from this. Not sure what!