A few airfare questions

[colette5479]

We usually drive to the ports but are thinking about flying to Galveston for our next cruise. My questions are:

 

The cruise is in December 2005. When should I start looking for airfare to get the best price?

 

We want to fly to Houston in a day in advance, take a limo or shuttle to Galveston. For our flight home, we want to purchase a transfer through CCL for the ride to the airport. What airport should I fly in to? And what time should I make our departure flight for?

 

If there are iny Okies out there, what airline have you used to fly to Houston from OKC? I'm hoping to find some real deal out there since it's not that far.

 

I rarely fly so I am at a loss. Thanks so much in advance:p

[NoVa Mimi]

I learned that one can usually get better prices as soon as they become available, about 330 days prior. From that point on they usually go up, and sometimes down again. If you book early and find the price goes down, I've read that you can usually get a travel voucher from the airline. This year I booked as soon as the rates came out for San Juan, and I have not seen them as low again...yet.

[Globaliser]

As you have so much time, you might want to think about registering with some of the online travel agents who will e-mail you when fares drop on selected routes - Travelocity is one who will do this. It won't guarantee that the new lower fares are valid for when you want to travel, neither will it guarantee that seats in the necessary booking classes are available on the flights that you need. But it will tend to give you some warning that it's a good idea to have a look and see if you're now getting a price you're happy with.

 

And remember - when a low air fare is presented to you, you will never know whether you might get a cheaper fare if you wait for longer. Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

 

Check with the airline as to whether they will give you a voucher for the difference in air fare. It's a financially ruinous practice which they will sooner or later have to cut back on, if they haven't already done so.