• From: Amsterdam
  • Registered: 2007-10-06
  • Posts: 5,249

Topic: Smart flying tips

I know there are a number of pretty frequent flyers among our members, and probably plenty of others who are long-time, experienced US flyers. A lot of you probably have your own booking sites that you think are the best and/or cheapest (ok, now you know where I'm going with this  big_smile  ).

I need some advice please. I think I discovered something that's a good deal, but it sounds so good that I'm now worrying what the catch is.  neutral

I want to fly from Baltimore to Indy and back. I tried several different sites that google suggested, and they all came up with a cheapest fare of $224, NO non-stop flights, and flight times ranging from 3-5 hours!!!

Then, I remembered Southwest, so I tried their site, which prices flights per direction. Their best price TO Indy was $64! Their best price FROM Indy was $160!!!! based on a return flight - which adds up to the same $224 everyone else is charging with changes of planes and long waits. So, then I thought hey, what if I look for one-way fares instead of round trip?  tongue

Imagine my surprise when I found that I could also fly FROM Indy back to Balmer for the 'web only' price of $64! Working it this way, I can fly there and back non-stop for $128 instead of the $224 that everyone else charges.

What's the catch?  roll

RIP Iron Man

Rock On and keep the Faith

2 Reply by Curby (edited by Curby 2011-05-05 17:24:07)

  • Curby
  • Curby
  • BONAMETAL
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  • Registered: 2008-12-19
  • Posts: 2,603

Re: Smart flying tips

Amsterhammer wrote:

I know there are a number of pretty frequent flyers among our members, and probably plenty of others who are long-time, experienced US flyers. A lot of you probably have your own booking sites that you think are the best and/or cheapest (ok, now you know where I'm going with this  big_smile  ).

I need some advice please. I think I discovered something that's a good deal, but it sounds so good that I'm now worrying what the catch is.  neutral

I want to fly from Baltimore to Indy and back. I tried several different sites that google suggested, and they all came up with a cheapest fare of $224, NO non-stop flights, and flight times ranging from 3-5 hours!!!

Then, I remembered Southwest, so I tried their site, which prices flights per direction. Their best price TO Indy was $64! Their best price FROM Indy was $160!!!! based on a return flight - which adds up to the same $224 everyone else is charging with changes of planes and long waits. So, then I thought hey, what if I look for one-way fares instead of round trip?  tongue

Imagine my surprise when I found that I could also fly FROM Indy back to Balmer for the 'web only' price of $64! Working it this way, I can fly there and back non-stop for $128 instead of the $224 that everyone else charges.

What's the catch?  roll

Expect cavity searches for the one-ways!  Might still be worth it if they throw in a prostate exam!!!

  • RickB
  • RickB
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  • From: San Diego
  • Registered: 2009-10-30
  • Posts: 12,198

Re: Smart flying tips

No catch I know of. Bring a sandwich, no liquids in your H/C stuff. Have your shoes and belt, (and headscarf lol ) off before transiting security. That is the Greyhound bus line of the air. Check in early so you don't get bumped. Seating is first come first served in three groups, and you can precheck online for a bit of an edge.
Rick

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  • From: Amsterdam
  • Registered: 2007-10-06
  • Posts: 5,249

Re: Smart flying tips

Curby wrote:

Expect cavity searches for the one-ways!  Might still be worth it if they throw in a prostrate exam!!!

Now this really had me laughing out loud!  lol

I've flown Southwest before, Rick. I also know the standard US airport drill. Thankfully, the direct flight only takes around 70 minutes.

RIP Iron Man

Rock On and keep the Faith
  • From: Grapevine, Tejas
  • Registered: 2009-11-03
  • Posts: 1,248

Re: Smart flying tips

Buy them early as they only have a very few seats at that price (loss leader as they say)
Absolutely check in 24 hrs before the flight if you want to get in group A.  by 23 hrs before the flight, you'll be in group B or C.
Any changes to your flight on SW will result in a full fare cost.

but... your bags fly free.

One way tickets do seem to alert the TSA folks.

Travel safe.

  • From: El Dorado Hills, Ca.
  • Registered: 2010-01-01
  • Posts: 797

Re: Smart flying tips

Book 'em Dano!

Why don't we eliminate all the warning labels and let things sort themselves out?
  • Registered: 2006-05-08
  • Posts: 1,996

Re: Smart flying tips

Oh . . . . be sure to enjoy the Southwest exclusive "sunroof".

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  • Rocket
  • Rocket
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  • From: San Francisco
  • Registered: 2006-04-26
  • Posts: 10,275

Re: Smart flying tips

All this is a reflection of economic necessity, which everyone should (by now) realize works two (2) ways, just like good communications.  What USED to be the standard bearer for saving money on airline bookings, the round trip ticket, is no longer valid per se.  We can fly cheaper today than decades ago.  I now ALWAYS recommend looking at one way vs. round trip.
Rockfarmer's buy early is, by far, the smartest and best way to get your money's worth.  Even if you have to (really should) buy insurance on the long term advance bookings, it will surely be the best deal by long term investment standards. 
Southwest bookings are NOT available on some travel sites or through some agencies, so booking direct is something one should check their self.  I don't fly Southwest often, but enough to use their Rapid Rewards program, which gets you first up on security and seat selection at departure time  wink !

Rock ON & Keep the Faith,
Rocket

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  • From: Cliftonville Kent England
  • Registered: 2006-07-30
  • Posts: 2,150

Re: Smart flying tips

some ideas .....

1) ..... always book your bags in as late as possible, that way they're loaded on last and off first

2) .....  don't rush off plane, let everyone stand always queue's back up getting off and at baggage reclaim

3) make your way to end of convayer belt on baggage reclaim, most people stand at where bags come out, but more often than not (your bags)should be out first, and you'll be free to get yours without any hassle, and leave airport not flustered (yeah right)

4) dont drink alcohol if possible, as you dehydrate twice as much on planes due to cabin pressure and air con, water is the best and get up stretch legs often and go to bathroom too wash face & freshen up

5) kick off shoes, a travel pillow is a valuable item on long haul and ear buds too

6)  watching films is a good thing on night flights, this will make you extra tired and maybe get some sleep

7)  internet shopping for flights is recommended, i use Expedia , they are superb and a easy site to navigate

more later...

............. Michael

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  • From: Grapevine, Tejas
  • Registered: 2009-11-03
  • Posts: 1,248

Re: Smart flying tips

Rocket wrote:

Even if you have to (really should) buy insurance on the long term advance bookings  wink !

Rock ON & Keep the Faith,
Rocket


I have only bought flight modification insurance one time in my life.  I did have to change the flight and I got screwed when I tried to make the insurance claim.

I guess the point of my note here is that if you buy flight modification insurance, read the fine print very, very carefully to make sure your particular situation is covered.

  • From: Amsterdam
  • Registered: 2007-10-06
  • Posts: 5,249

Re: Smart flying tips

dknight16 wrote:

Oh . . . . be sure to enjoy the Southwest exclusive "sunroof".

Uh yeah, really looking forward to that....

Lesson # 1 - when you see a nicely priced flight on Southwest, don't dilly-dally and wait for tomorrow, because tomorrow that ticket will cost double, or more!  sad

RIP Iron Man

Rock On and keep the Faith
  • From: Ruhrpott, Germany
  • Registered: 2010-02-06
  • Posts: 1,326

Re: Smart flying tips

Would never forget a loaded iPod and some in-ear headsets in case there are some cry-babies around.
If you can't sleep in every position: don't forget some sleeping pills and wash them down with some red wine.
Happy landing and I wish you a wonderful time.