CHEAP FLIGHTS

[Fat4now 7]

Hello! I am currently trying to book a flight to San Diego for surgery and I was wondering if anyone has any tricks to getting the tickets cheap. If you have any insight on the subject, please let me know! Thanks Everyone.

[Foxbins 625]

Are you somewhere Southwest Airlines flies? They usually have the cheapest flights to San Diego that I've found, but I'm on the west coast.

[Fat4now 7]

We looked at Southwest and it was rather confusing. We checked the box for "round trip" and then "Get away" was the cheapest flights. However it looked like you had to pick a departing flight and a returning flight and after that was chosen, the price was higher than the other site we found. Southwest wanted to charge over a $1000 for 2 people when the other site charge 850. Am I doing something wrong?

[Jennifera1607 0]

I went over memorial day week and it was 225 a ticket on kayak. I heard the best time to book is a tuesday or thurday and also fly on those days for better rates. Wish you luck!

[twoboysandagirl 109]

We also have better luck on Tuesday or Thursday.

[Nancy Rivers 24]

I usually use something like cheaptickets.com to get an idea of the cost - and the carriers then I will book through the actual carrier's website as it tends to be a bit cheaper that way.

[thinkingboutVSG 1]

Southwest just had a huge sale last week. They usually announce their weekly specials on Tuesdays. It depends on how soon you travel too. Any ticket purchase usually made 14 days before travel get good rates. Also, where are you flying from?

[Fat4now 7]

Trying to fly from Charlotte NC but willing to do Raleigh if needed...Southwest quotes us $1000 and some change for two round trips....Cheaptickets quotes us $855... I will check them all tomorrow and see what the difference is on Tuesday... Thanks everyone! I appreciate any help...

[iegal 460]

Congrats on your upcoming surgery.

Check US Airways since you are in a major hub of theirs. Now, since I did now have dates, i could not compare flight costs. Did a general search for mid July and it was $588 per person. Go to their website at usairways.com, put in CTL to SAN and then put in first choice of departure date/return date. Couple of lines down there is an option for low fare finder which will tel lyou if there is a lower fare a day or two later/earlier than what you chose.

No matter which airline you book, make sure you request a wheelchair assist in San Diego Iand any connecting airport) on way back to home airport. This will let you get on the airplane first with your luggage. Good because no one is pushing on you in line. I flew for work within a week of surgery (crazy) and the wheel chair assist while somewhat embarassing it was a lifesaver. Make sure you buy Water inside the airport. A small pillow is helpful also.

Let me know if you need help by sending me a private message. Best wishes!

[Toyia 2]

I like to look on Expedia to see what airline has the lowest flights and then go directly to that airline to see if I can get the same price.

Good luck and congrads on your surgery date...

Toyia

[sarsar 824]

If you fly Southwest and you are checking in a bag is does NOT cost extra. If you go with another airline they will charge you per bag that you check in so keep that in mind when you are booking your flight. Southwest may be a little higher but when you factor in the baggage fee that you have to pay with the other airlines I have still found that Southwest is cheaper.

[PhatGurl80 26]

I found my flight to San Diego through www.hotwire.com and that's where I usually go for the majority of my flights. They sell "clearance" tickets so if you have a large window in which you can depart, then you can find a great deal. My second best site is Travelocity.com.

The time a day you look for tickets may be a factor in the published price, so try looking in the mornings as opposed to the evening time.

When's your surgery date? I'll be flying in on August 10.

[Jensharley 9]

Hello! I am currently trying to book a flight to San Diego for surgery and I was wondering if anyone has any tricks to getting the tickets cheap. If you have any insight on the subject, please let me know! Thanks Everyone.

Try travelzoo.com. You can sign up for an email newsletter that gives you info on travel deals.

[Wheetsin 714]

Check sites like Kayak, Orbitz, Travelocity, Hotwire, etc.

Call the airline and ask them for their best price. They will often give you a price lower than what's on their site.

Fly out of, and to, a secondary airport. I used to fly to Chicago for work about twice a month. Flying into Midway vs. O'Hare was tons cheaper.

[Wheetsin 714]

I just ran RDU - SAN from 7/19 - 7/21 and found several options, all of them ranging $480 - $500 for round trip airfare.

They weren't non-stop flights, but cheap flights usually won't be.