[daisyd]

LOL, Southwest releases when they are good and ready
I think as soon as they do release the next block of dates the other airlines will fall into place with lower fares in those markets. Check SW every day--I'd bet by this month's end (or the first week of Feb) they'd have fares to about the 4th of July.

[Tinkerbelle67]

I'm going to recommend a website I have used before, www.kayak.com. You put in your info and it searches the airlines for the best price. It's worth a try.

[Laneysdad]

Great site Tinkerbelle - I'll have to keep my eye on it. As of now they are still saying $281 when under $200 is usually from Chicago.

[asp8tis]

Laneysdad, we really are in the same boat. I'm looking for something leaving between the 10th & 12th, and we're trying to get out of the Chicago area, too. We've probably been looking at all the same lousy, expensive flights! I'm closer to O'Hare, so I was going to take those flights on USA 3000 (I do know several people who have flown them to Orlando and were satisfied), then this week they changed the flight times so that they don't get into Orlando until 7:30 p.m., and on the return flight we wouldn't get back to O'Hare until 11 p.m., with 3 little kids? UGH!

[Laneysdad]

Originally Posted by asp8tis

Laneysdad, we really are in the same boat. I'm looking for something leaving between the 10th & 12th, and we're trying to get out of the Chicago area, too. We've probably been looking at all the same lousy, expensive flights! I'm closer to O'Hare, so I was going to take those flights on USA 3000 (I do know several people who have flown them to Orlando and were satisfied), then this week they changed the flight times so that they don't get into Orlando until 7:30 p.m., and on the return flight we wouldn't get back to O'Hare until 11 p.m., with 3 little kids? UGH!

I hear ya. We've booked a rental car/mini-van. As of now if things don't improve I'm covered. The rental looks better each day based on cost and the ability to spend the time how I see fit versus lay overs or crappy departure and arrival times. I'm sure things will change as schedules are released but with things heating up in the Middle East gas is sure to be high again this summer. That being said the rental may be the best route for my group of 5.

Perhaps we can hook up a group deal your 5 and my 5 -10 tickets could net a discount. Maybe?

[asp8tis]

Originally Posted by Laneysdad

Perhaps we can hook up a group deal your 5 and my 5 -10 tickets could net a discount. Maybe?

That sounds good to me! We haven't driven yet because we think our kids are too young to handle it. We have an 8 month old DD right now that will barely be a year when we go, and DS's are 4 & 7. We discussed driving briefly tonight, but for now I'm going to keep watching the flights. I was thinking of taking one of those late flights and just getting a cheap hotel near the airport for the first night, then start fresh at Disney in the morning. BTW, how long does it take you to make the drive?

[Laneysdad]

16-18 hours depending. I'd looked at it 2 ways.
1) leave early the day before check in and drive until we want to stop hopefully in Georgia
or
2) Leave mid-day and drive all night switching off as needed.

Disney Teacher is in Central Il and has driven. Takes them 16 hours straight through.

[asp8tis]

Originally Posted by Laneysdad

16-18 hours depending. I'd looked at it 2 ways.
1) leave early the day before check in and drive until we want to stop hopefully in Georgia
or
2) Leave mid-day and drive all night switching off as needed.

Disney Teacher is in Central Il and has driven. Takes them 16 hours straight through.

Thanks! I'll keep that in mind if things get desperate!

[Boss Mouse]

Originally Posted by Laneysdad

I just called SWA and spoke to "Judy". She was pleasant but not at all helpful. I asked when the schedule would move beyond June 9th as I am traveling the 10th. She had no idea and said it could be from a few weeks to a few months.

Thank you Southwest. You are now free to move about the country but only when we say so.

I spoke to 'someone' yesterday. She told be dates after 06/09 will be posted in Feb. Air tran has some good fares, but are not flexible. I, too, await the SW updates.

[bribert]

Have any of you signed up for the SWA 'ding'?? I received a special offer a few weeks ago for Midway-Orlando for 28-43 each way!!! It was an offer only good through the end of Feb., but I believe you can always book higher & get either a refund or voucher back if your price goes down. &, depending on your flexibllity, it seems SWA charges more if you fly on a Sunday.
Also, for Laneysdad, since we are from the same area, I'm in Shorewood, I've found it's extremely easier, & cheaper parking-wise, to fly out of Midway than O'hare.
Good luck!!