What happened to January airfares?
 

I feel like I am in a parallel universe this morning! I went to airline websites to book a flight on a route I frequently take. The fare is always between $160-200. Never more than that. Suddenly this a.m. the fares are over $450 on every carrier I have checked!! Why would this have happened so suddenly? I thought January was a slow travel month. I guess I will drive it instead. Any ideas?

Airfares vary greatly by the route (cities) and the dates/times. Will you be flying to San Diego near Superbowl Sunday? You haven't posted anything about the cities or times involved so there's no way to answer your question.<BR><BR>Andrew<BR>

They all sold out in November.

I have a feeling that many of the airlines' internet fare tables expired on Dec 31 and reverted to standard (non-discounted fares). Soon, they will probably assess the revenue numbers [no book cooking, please!] generated from holiday travel and see where they stand, then offer new &quot;deals&quot;.

What are the cities and dates involved, I will check into that and see what is going on.

I am hoping that Gwen is right. I remember hearing about a New Years Day fare sale last year. I am looking at the DTW to DCA route and it is a route I've flown many times for under $200. I guess I will be waiting for better prices or gassing up the car(at $1.60 per gallon)! Thanks!

What are the dates?

Southwest is having a sale right now as is America West depending on when you fly. Most specials are blacked out mid-March to after Easter because of Spring Break.

I have had a similiar experience. I usually go to Vegas every May and usually buy tickets in Dec. or Jan. (Phila-Vegas)Nonstop is typically any where from 200.00 to 260.00. I have been checking every day recently and have not been able to find a fare for under 375.00!! I will be buying four tickets so I will try to wait it out, but I too have been wondering, what happened?

I have always noticed this sale trends to change as soon as the masses wait for fairs at a certain time.

RE: &quot;Flyer&quot; - I justed checked travelocity and the fare is $157/RT from DTW to DCA (with tax/fees you're looking at about $177). Matter-o-fact, about 5 different airlines had the same fare. Northwest will probably be your best bet. Day restrictions: could not fly on Fri. or Mon. (fly through 3/03).