I'm going to be booking a flight to Florida within the next 24 hrs. I've been checking all the online travel sites and found a couple decent deals. Then I searched again 1/2 hour later and the prices went up!?!

So my question is this: When is the best time of day to book a flight? I'm guessing the prices are going up because it's approaching the lunch hour, so would late night/early morning be the best time to book it? I'll stay up till 3am if I have to

Thanks for any input you have.

 

Sorry I can't help, but where in Florida will you be?

 

Clear your cookies before you check again. I swear they raise the prices when they see you check multiple times

 

My parents rented a condo for the month of February in Clearwater Beach. So, me and the Mrs. are flying down to visit for a few days and get out of the cold nastiness of Michigan.

I see Orlando is only a hop, skip, and a jump from there, any suggestions on things to do or places to see? Any advice will be great. We'll be flying in on the 14th and leaving on the 18th. Thanks.

 

My advice on Orlando is to stay the hell out of Orlando. Traffic is horrible, way too many tourists (no offense lol), prices are outragous and it is becoming increasingly dangerous. If you must visit the theme parks, I would recommend doing so and then leaving. Don't bother staying there overnight.

Actually now that I think about it, one of the parks (Universal, I think) is having some kind of Mardi Gras thing. I'm not sure how long it lasts, but it may be worth checking out.

If I were you, I'd head up to Tampa instead. Maybe go out fishing or just hang out at the beach.

 

We've actually discussed just relaxing in the warmth for a few days to avoid the crowds as you suggested. I appreciate the advice.

 

best time? In as far advance as possible. thats how I usually get the best price, is do it as early as possible.

 

Yup, avoid Orlando at all costs if your not going to the parks. I'll be back home in Tampa this weekend. Enjoy the warmth and relaxation of the beach.

 

Oh yea...also check some of the alternative airlines that might or might not be available on the major travel sites. For instance www.usa3000.com has some pretty good flights...however they don't fly into Tampa, but rather the smaller St. Pete airport, which is good for you since that's a smidgen closer to Clearwater.

 

go to www.sidestep.com and register - you can then try flex dates/nearby airports, etc..... shoudl help you find the cheapest flight..... you'll have to make the trade-off between $$ and whether to go non-stop..... have fun!

Edit - what is also fun is floating down tubes on the spring fed streams - it's like bottled water.... http://www.theotherorlando.com/conte...kellypark.html

 

I always liked tubing this one... http://www.floridastateparks.org/ichetuckneesprings/

Although it might not be ideal weather for tubing. The water is usually extremely cold and it's better to do when the weather is nice and hot. 60's and 70's for temps isn't quite warm enough for me.

Of course spring water and 60's and 70's is normal summer swimming for someone from Michigan.

You can always tell the Canadians in Florida. They are the ones swimming at the beach December through February.

 

Thanks for all the unput fellas.

 

I've been there a number of times and it's very nice. Just suck it up and jump in.

 

The best flights from Detroit to Florida are on Spirit Airlines... sign up for their weekly e-mails and the 9-dollar fares list... If you can be flexible on your dates, you can get flights for as low as $8. I have a co-worker that flew down a year ago for $34 there, and $8 coming back. He took his wife and two kids for $300 round-trip.