Flights
 

Anybody have any idea when it would be a good time to start looking for cheaper airfare from Orlando to Athens for May 2004, early May? I am also curious what a cheap rate would be?

The financial insecurity of almost every airline in the US and Europe may make it impossible to predict 2004 from every year that has gone before.<BR><BR>That said, I suspect that the best price will come available between Nov 03 and Mar 04. You might find under $700. You might not find under $900.<BR><BR>You might want to consider watching fares to London also, and trying to use one of the cheap intra-Europe airlines from London to Greece. Makes the most sense obviously, if you actually have any interest in going to England as well.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Wow, you're actually planning for next year already? Well, I suppose you can estimate what it'll be this year and go by that, however, that can change by next year. It's very difficult to predict nowadays with airlines' difficulties and airfare sales are not as predictable as in the past.

It has always been my impression that most airlines won't book at all until about 11 months ahead. So I doubt you will be able to get a firm quote and book a May 2004 flight until June 2003 at the earliest.

Topping, for Candy<BR>

Thanks everybody. I generally try to get an idea financially what I am looknig at for next year. We are doing Paris this year, so price for next may is a consideration. As well, I have many people that want to travel with me, and because I watch for excellent deals, I like for people to have the money available when I want to book. I know they could get on the same plane, but could they get it for the same great price...<BR>Hey question, I have heard one person do this, let's say I buy a plane ticket for $900 and then it goes on sale. Can I call and get the price knocked down? My friend did that with Delta, I think. Anybody heard if this?

Thanks everybody. I generally try to get an idea financially what I am looknig at for next year. We are doing Paris this year, so price for next may is a consideration. As well, I have many people that want to travel with me, and because I watch for excellent deals, I like for people to have the money available when I want to book. I know they could get on the same plane, but could they get it for the same great price...<BR>Hey question, I have heard one person do this, let's say I buy a plane ticket for $900 and then it goes on sale. Can I call and get the price knocked down? My friend did that with Delta, I think. Anybody heard if this?<BR>Candy (aka Luv2Travel)

Candy, contrary to what others have said, I am of the opinion that airfares to Athens will be high in 2004 because Athens is the hosting city for the Olympics, and although the Olympics will be later in the summer, I would think that it would be a popular destination next spring. Athletes will be going over earlier to get used to the climate and for practices. You might also want to check into packages and charters.<BR><BR>You might sign up for Travelocity's and Expedia's fare watcher programs and track the fare to Athens from aiports that are within reasonable proximity to Orlando.

The olympics are Aug 13-29. I honestly do not know what impact this will have on airfares three months earlier. But it's a good issue to raise.<BR><BR>Anyone have any experience heading to Lillehammer or Albertville in the period before those Olympics? It may not be a good comparison at all, since there are so many more airports that could be used, especially for Albertville.<BR>

All I know is the summer the Olympics were in Atlanta, I tried to book a flight from Ft. Myers to Atlanta about three months before the Olypics (but on a two week notice) and couldn't get one. I was told that all the flights were filled because of so much Olympic connected activity (vendors, coaches, press people, athletes, construction people, etc.). I would imagine the Olympics in Athens will impact flights for months ahead of the actual event in the same way.

It makes sense that there will be a high demand (challenging supply?) of flights from various points withIN Europe to Athens in 2004. I wonder if direct transatlantic service (which might NOT be the way to go) will be affected as much. It still could be. Our broadcast networks employ a lot of people. Not all from the US, but a lot.<BR>

luv2travel:<BR>I can only comment on my experience with AA airlines and pre-9/11 days, but if the fare goes down, they would give you either a voucher for the difference - or - a credit on your credit card for the difference minus the change fee. With the change fees being as high as they are now, the difference would have to be pretty substantial to get any kind of refund. If you travel frequently, the vouchers are a much better deal. But like I said, I don't know what the policy is now or for other airlines.

luv2travel,<BR>Most if not all airlines will refund the difference in vouchers. BUT, and it's a big BUT, The sale has to be for the same flights and ALSO for the same fare code. If that's the case, there is NO CHARGE for getting a refund as stated above. On the other hand, if you need to change the dates in order to get the cheaper fare, there will be a charge, so you have to decide if the sale is worth the hassle. You do have to understand that if you see a sale ad in a newspaper, or on the internet for the same destinations, it does not mean that your flight is included. If your flight falls within the dates of the sale, the best thing to do is to call the airline directly and inquire if the sale applies to your fare code. If that's the case ask them for a refund and you should receive.<BR>Happy Flying!