Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Traveling/flying info request

I'm looking for some general information about flying. (In a plane, I've seem to have lost my cape) If'n I want to fly someone out to California in June, I suppose the cheapest thing to do is to buy the tickets in advance? Round trip. And does one leave from the Midwest and take a single plane all the way there? No plane changes? And if my travel plans change, how much time does one have to cancel and still get all/most of the money back? Have no experience with this so would appreciate some feedback as to know what to expect.

I highly recommend cancellation insurance. It's the only way to fly.

Always buy a ticket at least 10 days out. Lots of sites out there to compare prices, like Travelocity.com, Expedia.com, kayak.com, cheap tickets.com
Tuesdays thru Thursday's are cheaper.

fly Southwest. hassle free and they don't screw you if you have to change plans

Use those sites like travelocity etc for one reason only: Find out what airlines fly where you want to go. Then go to those airline websites to price/purchase tickets. If you search for prices then walk away from your computer for a long period of time, clear your cookies when you return. Anything more, like Wade wrote, than say ten days from your planned travel dates out won't get you any appreciable savings.

I'm a big Southwest Airlines fan for simple uncomplicated travel.

You should compare flights over several airlines though and see what works best for your plans, not all carriers go all places and that complicates things. Usually you can get the best pricing a month out, sometimes that 10day window is better, refundable tickets usually cost more but cut the risk when changes occur. Travel days and visit span can affect costs, you might juggle departure days and see savings.

FYI: I'm traveling from Cedar Rapids to LA at the end of the month and the company has had to charter a flight because you can't get from Iowa to California in a timely manner on a Sunday. Just sayin'

As soon as the plane reaches cruising altitude, raise your arms and shout "Allahu Akhbar ! ". It's a customary greeting similar to "aloha", and the passengers and crew will love it.

Thanks fellas. I'll be sure and pass that "customary greeting" along to the potential flier. What the heck, I won't be there!

Thanks for the Southwest compliments, we do try hard! Be a 20 year veteran in December (sorta)!

For your laptop... if somebody is looking over your shoulder.

http://www.thecleverest.com/countdown.swf

Just got back from Denver yesterday and have to go back in Sept. Haven't flown since 2001, don't like the security hassle and the sardine mentality, but Southwest made it bearable !