Gas Prices and SW's next booking window

[NokOnHarts]

Anyone else concerned that by the time Southwest's next booking window opens (May 21) gas prices will have caused their prices to seriously jump?? I am not a frequent flyer with SW but planning on using them this time for our trip in November. With the gas hikes in the past couple years, did anyone notice significant difference with SW fares during those times?

[faline]

For a long time, Southwest was able to keep their fares lower than many other carriers as they had negotiated a long-term contract for fuel which kept their costs in line. Going forward, I think all bets are off and they, like all other carriers, will be forced into adjusting their rates based on their expenses. If those expenses include outrageous fuel prices, much of that will be passed on those who are purchasing airline tickets.

[sassafras]

We booked with SW about a month ago for our late April trip, trying to get a "cheap" flight. What we thought was rather high then, jumped about $50 each way within a week. I'm still hoping to catch a deal before April and get some credit toward our next trip, but highly doubt it will happen.

[DizneyRox]

The reality is, does it matter? If it's going to happen, it's going to happen, and not being able to book now is exactly the reason why you can't book now.

From what I've seen, SW is always the lowest for me, our airport to our destinations. That's why I normally don't even check other airlines. I have on occasion done a little comparison shopping, but they have never disapointed. I have no reason to believe at this point, they won't be the cheapest inthe future.

Now, if you're concerned that the lowest flight might be $500 one way, that's a concern, but as mentioned in paragraph one, if that's the lowest flight, that's the lowest flight.

[Jeri Lynn]

I just booked our trip for October. Both Southwest and Jet Blue had the same fare of $250RT. I chose not to wait to see if something better would come out, this is my piece of mind. I went with Jet Blue because I like the little TV's...I like both airlines.

[NokOnHarts]

The reality is, does it matter? If it's going to happen, it's going to happen, and not being able to book now is exactly the reason why you can't book now.

From what I've seen, SW is always the lowest for me, our airport to our destinations. That's why I normally don't even check other airlines. I have on occasion done a little comparison shopping, but they have never disapointed. I have no reason to believe at this point, they won't be the cheapest inthe future.

Now, if you're concerned that the lowest flight might be $500 one way, that's a concern, but as mentioned in paragraph one, if that's the lowest flight, that's the lowest flight.

Yeah, I agree, but in our situation if airfare goes up a lot more it's going to affect decisions regarding our trip. Which hotel we choose and tickets for special events, etc. So I guess everything is on hold till end of May when we know what prices will be with SW.

[Quadstriker]

Blech. Checking rates for October. Don't like what I see.

Just going to have to bite the bullet probably.

[mdricks]

I’m sitting on my hands right now hoping for some miracle. Prices with SW are about $80 more round trip than same time last year for trip in October. SW is the only non-stop left from STL to MCO so I will probably just have to bite the bullet and cut corners somewhere else.