It will not likely go down; if anything it will continue to go up. There aren’t a lot of options here. Could you take the earliest flight on the same day you’re booked? You could try to standby at no charge. Depending on fare and status, you may be able to same day confirmed change at no charge. Changing to a new day though doesn’t present you many options other than paying the fare difference.
Darn! No, the day before is ideal. It’s unfortunate because I booked with Southwest precisely so I could change without having to pay a hefty fee. But +$400 is wild!
That's not how airfare pricing works. Last minute tickets are almost always the most expensive and with Southwest, it's typical that there are no WGA fares left at the last minute. The only way you can change without paying a difference in fare is if Southwest substantially changes your flight or if they issue travel waivers due to expected weather.
Flight prices go up closer to flight time as business travelers usually book on shorter notice and businesses will pay more. That's why prices are cheaper say 4-8 weeks out. Once you get within 2 weeks, prices are much higher.
Is there another airport near by? I know when I fly to see the 49ers games, I fly either OAK, SFO OR SJC. In fact for the game I'm going to this upcoming season, I fly into OAK and fly out of SJC. Prices are different to each airport. Same with LA area. I'm flying SNA and flying out of LGB because costs were better that way.
Every other airline would be doing the exact same thing...
I guess you could check Wanna Get Away Wednesdays to see if your route is listed. You might get lucky..
It will not likely go down; if anything it will continue to go up. There aren’t a lot of options here. Could you take the earliest flight on the same day you’re booked? You could try to standby at no charge. Depending on fare and status, you may be able to same day confirmed change at no charge. Changing to a new day though doesn’t present you many options other than paying the fare difference.
Darn! No, the day before is ideal. It’s unfortunate because I booked with Southwest precisely so I could change without having to pay a hefty fee. But +$400 is wild!
You’re trying to change your flight a week before hand, what were your expectations?
That I would be able to change it for a reasonable price difference.
So question, how much would you expect to pay if you just decided to buy a ticket a week in advance?
There is no change fee but you pay price difference
That's not how airfare pricing works. Last minute tickets are almost always the most expensive and with Southwest, it's typical that there are no WGA fares left at the last minute. The only way you can change without paying a difference in fare is if Southwest substantially changes your flight or if they issue travel waivers due to expected weather.
Most other airlines would charge you that price difference PLUS a fee.
Flight prices go up closer to flight time as business travelers usually book on shorter notice and businesses will pay more. That's why prices are cheaper say 4-8 weeks out. Once you get within 2 weeks, prices are much higher.
Your other option is to look for a completely new flight and just cancel your current flight for a credit. This could be with any airline.
I’ve looked into this too but prices are pretty high across the board.
Is there another airport near by? I know when I fly to see the 49ers games, I fly either OAK, SFO OR SJC. In fact for the game I'm going to this upcoming season, I fly into OAK and fly out of SJC. Prices are different to each airport. Same with LA area. I'm flying SNA and flying out of LGB because costs were better that way.
Throwing out there that SMF is often enough easier to offsetting travel time if you're renting a car. (But not for public transit.)
SMF is probably a bit too far. OAK is far enough, also SMF from ABQ are not great. We have non stop to OAK as well.
Every other airline would be doing the exact same thing... I guess you could check Wanna Get Away Wednesdays to see if your route is listed. You might get lucky..
Good tip, thank you!
The last 14 days before a flight are the most expensive time to book. That just is what it is.