If you plan to fly this summer, buy your airline tickets now. Rising fuel costs and the usual summer demand are driving ticket prices higher and higher, so the longer you wait, the more you are likely to pay.
For example, a week before Memorial Day, I checked roundtrip airfare from Orlando to San Juan, Puerto Rico for a July departure. Travelocity quoted me $215 roundtrip on Spirit Airlines (nonstop, after all taxes and fees). Although this was an excellent price, my plans were uncertain so I didn’t book it – oops. I checked back about 10 days later and the price had risen to $232. I booked it, but my hesitation cost me $51 because I needed three tickets. Out of curiosity, I checked this same flight again a week later (early June). The lowest nonstop price among all airlines was still Spirit Airlines, but the cost had risen to $289. This is a $57 increase per ticket for the exact same flight originally quoted at $215 three weeks earlier
Don’t blame, Spirit, though. Some of this cost increase is likely due to rising demand for summer tickets. But fuel prices are certainly a factor. To combat it, Continental Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines all have announced major layoffs in recent weeks.
Also, note that some airlines now charge fees for checked baggage for domestic economy class. For example, Spirit charges $10 for the first checked bag (if you pay in advance on-line; or $20 if you pay at the airport) and another $20 for your second bag. American, United and US Airways all charge $15 for your first checked bag and $25 for your second. These fees are charged EACH way, so double them if you fly roundtrip. And buyer beware when comparing airline rates: travel websites might not include the new checked luggage fee in their on-line quotes.
Fees or no fees, my advice is to book early.
