HELP! (How do I book cheap last minute flights?)

[yyz]

I was wondering how you do this?

I mean, the airlines don't want empty seast on the planes, but how low will they go on recuced last minute prices? Right now, flights are through the roof for this weekend, and I guess I would expect that, with business travel and all.

I just want to know when the airlines say, "We gotta fill these seats!", and at what price they can be had.

 

[acehistr8]

Dont ever count on that happening. As part of my MBA program I took 3 classes on Airline Economics and Accounting so I got to deal with these types of issues a lot. Yield Management is the process whereby they set how many levels of fare they will have and when they will raise or lower them. It is really done in accordance with what the competition is doing and what they feel they can get away with.

Most people would also say, as an extreme version of your question, "Well the plane is pulling away from the gate with only 10 people on board why cant I buy a seat for $100? Isnt that better to the airline than nothing?" The answer being no it isnt, because then no one would book ahead of time.

I would not count on these reduced fares lasting long at all. While it helps short term revenue growth it really hurts their long run revenue stream in that people will stop booking so far in advance if they know they can wait until the last minute, when the airlines run the risk of you jumping to a competitor who is offering a sale.

 

[yyz]

Those fukers!

 

[Blazer]

Last year, I booked a flight by logging onto expedia.com and I think lowestfare.com? Took thier posted price to priceline.com and cut it by $35. Priceline booked me and I had no problems.

I have also used Southwest.com. They are great. I use Southwest whenever possible.

 

[theGibber1]

orbitz.com is cheaper than expedia... whenever i plan one of many vegas trips orbitz is usually cheaper by at least 50 to 60 bucks cheaper..


good luck

 

[Blitz]

I refuse to give Orbitz my business, I'm always getting F-ing pop-ups from them!:thefinger

 

[theGibber1]

ill click a few pop ups to save $$$$$$$

:shrug:

 

[Senor Capper]

Wife has 15 years @ America Worst

Wife has 15 years @ America Worst

Ace you got that right.
Say you plane seats 190 (757 my fav) doesn't matter if only 1 person is on board you show up at the ticket counter & you will pay full price.


She says its cheaper to buy 'em on line then the 1-800 number.

 

[yyz]

No wonder they all go broke!:shrug: