Advice on airfares to Ft. Lauderdale
 

My wife and I plan to fly to Ft. Lauderdale in early March. We'd prefer a direct flight from Hartford. Preliminary internet searches tell me this will cost about $355 pp round trip. Are there cheaper fares to be had? Would we be wise to wait and see how Delta's recent cost-cutting announcements might play out with the other airlines?

This is only a guess here, but tourism is at an all time high in Florida, and March is THE HEIGHT of high tourist season. It seems unlikely that many airlines are going to offer great specials to get from places like Hartford to Ft. Lauderdale direct that time of year.
But who knows what will happen with fares these days?

Hmm. I just looked on Orbitz and found flights for random dates in early March -- Delta for $213 round trip, US Air for $255 round trip -- both non-stop service. My experience would suggest you can match those fares directly with the airlines.

I also think you need to look a little harder - I went to Expedia and found fares as low as $186 RT one-stop from Boston, $220 RT non-stop from Boston plus fares starting at about $230 from Hartford. Even lower on Delta website - just a little over $200 Hartford-FLL. I plugged in dates of Friday 3/4 thru Sat 3/12

Why would you wait if Delta can fly you from your desired airport for $200 - isn't going to get much lower than that.

Why non-stop?

I found $185 on Delta departing March 4th and returning on the 12th with one stop in Atlanta.

www.ITASoftware.com

I know it's a long way off but when would low fares show up for flights to FLL in January 06? I know they become available 353 (?) days prior to travel dates, but is there going to be a better time to book them than when they first become available for that time of year?

I won't speak for Jazzman, but I'd easily pay up to $50 extra for a non-stop flight. Why? Savings of time, reduction of chances of a delayed flight or missed connection, less chance of luggage coming up missing, and just generally so much easier and nicer. Save $20 or $30 by adding an extra stop? No sir! Not me!

Three hours or less total non-stop vs. 6 to 7 hours with a change? Forget the change.

Hmm. Looks like I better do a little more accurate research on the 'net! Thanks for the prompt and helpful replies.

To inthechips regarding booking way in advance. I used to be the prime advance researcher and even purchaser. But with the financial health and even survival of some airlines so questionable, that is a risk you might not want to take. Also, while cancellation/change penalties have recently become less on some airlines (specifically Delta), who actually knows their schedule 300 plus days in advance?

Also, in past year when I have booked months in advance for absolutely certain dates (son's flights home from college, spring break trips, etc.), the airline goes and changes the schedule on me, usually to something way less desirable, several times.

Are you willing to drive to NYC? If you are, you could fly direct to FLL on JetBlue

Have you checked out Song Airlines (they are part of Delta)? They fly non-stop from Hartford to Fort Lauderdale and their prices are often very good. Their website is www.flysong.com.

Thanks Gail. I was actually thinking with the lessening on the restrictions for rebooking, if something better came along the fee would be lower and might be worth booking in advance and dealing with later if the price came down. I myself am using miles but am in charge of watching the airfare for companions that are a little less comfortable with travel arrangements and are leaving it up to me.