Flight Confusion [when to purchase? + airline suggestions (prefer ability to pick seats)?] - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Flight Confusion [when to purchase? + airline suggestions (prefer ability to pick seats)?]
I would like to fly to Orlando in June this summer when we go to Universal and Disney. I have not flown in over 10 years and a lot has changed. I'm looking now for flights, not really liking what I am seeing, but I can't actually book until I know I am approved from work for my vacation.
Am I going to see the prices continue to rise as it gets closer to June?
Is it possible flights could fill up and I will not have a flight?
I may not be able to book flights until February. I would also prefer to pick my seats since I have trouble with my ears and I am flying with an 11 and 14 year old who may need to get me off of the plane This preference seems to remove Southwest from the running since they have open boarding. All other airlines of course charge more for this privilege.
I think you will be ok booking in Feb. As to SW open boarding, don't rule them out. You can pay for early boarding ($10/person, I think). You will then be among the first ones to board and should have no problem getting good seats together.
I think you will be ok booking in Feb. As to SW open boarding, don't rule them out. You can pay for early boarding ($10/person, I think). You will then be among the first ones to board and should have no problem getting good seats together.
SW is a really good airline. However, I weigh about 140 and find the seats a bit narrow. If anyone in your party is Pooh-sized, you might be wise to pay for two seats for that person.
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United you can pick your seat for no charge. But certain seats there is an up fee because of location in the plane. Also the longer you wait with united the fewer choices you will have and less likely to be able to sit together.
United you can pick your seat for no charge. But certain seats there is an up fee because of location in the plane. Also the longer you wait with united the fewer choices you will have and less likely to be able to sit together.
Thank you! Do you know if you pay/select this option when you check in before the flight or if you are able to select this when you buy your tickets?
You can pay for this when you buy your ticket - it's an option when you check out. I use SW exclusively because I'm a dork and pack too much and ALWAYS need the '2 bags fly free' advantage. Remember it is $15/person PER INDIVIDUAL TRIP, so it will be $30 per person for a round trip. The early bird is good if you don't feel like jumping on the computer exactly 24 hours before your flight in the hopes of being in the A group. When I fly long trips, it's a good perk.
To be honest, unless you're with a little one who needs supervision, it shouldn't take too long from LA to FL (it takes about 2.5 hours for us in Baltimore MD). I'd just take my chances, and if worst case happens and you can't sit next to your party, you'd only be separated for a short time.
I have changed seats with many people over the years so they could sit with their families, especially if kids are involved! Never underestimate the kindness of strangers!
You can pay for this when you buy your ticket - it's an option when you check out. I use SW exclusively because I'm a dork and pack too much and ALWAYS need the '2 bags fly free' advantage. Remember it is $15/person PER INDIVIDUAL TRIP, so it will be $30 per person for a round trip. The early bird is good if you don't feel like jumping on the computer exactly 24 hours before your flight in the hopes of being in the A group. When I fly long trips, it's a good perk.
To be honest, unless you're with a little one who needs supervision, it shouldn't take too long from LA to FL (it takes about 2.5 hours for us in Baltimore MD). I'd just take my chances, and if worst case happens and you can't sit next to your party, you'd only be separated for a short time.
I have changed seats with many people over the years so they could sit with their families, especially if kids are involved! Never underestimate the kindness of strangers!
Thank you for the information and the suggestion.
I'm sure the kids would be fine as long as they didn't have to sit by themselves. It's me I'm worried about , I have ear problems and may need assistance during the flight.
I'm sure the kids would be fine as long as they didn't have to sit by themselves. It's me I'm worried about , I have ear problems and may need assistance during the flight.
You might want to call SW directly and see if you qualify for early boarding, whether that would be for you or for your little ones. However, if you think you might need assistance, it might be good for your peace of mind to just sprint the $30/person. You will most likely be seated in the A group, after the Business Travelers - though I forgot what SW calls them - which means you can pretty much pick your seat.
When I have flown SWA with my adult DD, I have purchased one Early Bird and she has always been able to sit in the seat next to me (I actually sit in the window and change with her to the middle seat, which always seems to fill in last. I am not sure you could get a whole role if your boarding group was C.
Also, my experience is that the number you are assigned in EBCI is by when you purchase it. Once I purchased it just a few weeks before the flight (you can purchase anytime up to regular check in) and I was only a dozen or so people ahead of my DD who checked in 24 hours ahead.
And id you are a big packer, the two bags on SWA will save you $40. or more dollars so you can put it towards EBCI. My second son and his wife prefer SWA to Jet Blue because they are birders and travel with a lot of equipment, While their optics go in carry on, everything else-boots, clothing layers go in checked bags.
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This preference seems to remove Southwest from the running since they have open boarding. All other airlines of course charge more for this privilege.
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Remember it is $15/person PER INDIVIDUAL TRIP, so it will be $30 per person for a round trip. The early bird is good if you don't feel like jumping on the computer exactly 24 hours before your flight in the hopes of being in the A group. When I fly long trips, it's a good perk. 
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