tsaluja

We are planning a family vacation for the very last week of Decemeber 2009. We live in the Washington, DC area and want to fly into Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

We are flex on when to leave and when to come home. We would want to leave though after Christmas day- but we dont care when. We also want to stay through New Year's Eve- but dont mind coming home on New Year's Day if its cheaper.

Right now, the flights are crazy expensive. Like it would be nearly $600 per person. At what point do the fares start falling and when is the best time to book?

Thanks!

dfr4848

That time of year and considering your destination I wouldn't count on much of a drop. That week is one of the most popular travel weeks for the entire year.

It's hard to tell with economy etc what deals may come up, but I wouldn't count on it. I'd just keep checking and when you found something you can live with, get it and don't look back.

bardo1

From ITASOFTWARE.COM doing a "month long search":

Departing 12/26 returning 12/31 or 1/1:

Airtran has $374 BWI-FLL nonstops
Spirit has $389 DCA-FLL nonstops


All prices are RT and include all taxes/fees.
Contact airlines directly (web or phone) to purchase.

nytraveler

That is prime time for those destinations - tons of families as well as college kids on break will be traveling and pries aren;t likely to get lower. But seats will definitely get rarer. I would find the best I can now and book it - waiting may mean being shut out.

doug_stallings

Southwest fares should be coming up shortly. If you haven't booked in the next two weeks, I'd take a look at their fares, though you'll have to fly from BWI. Spirit will be the cheapest (though absolutely nothing is included except the actual transport).

crefloors

Southwest is already booking for Dec. Good fares too.