Looking to get the cheapest flights for a trip from Vancouver to Orlando in March. I’ve used Skyscanner to find cheap tickets, but the reseller’s price for checked baggage seems high ($90ish/bag/direction). According to WestJet’s site, adding checked bags is ~$65 per bag. The idea is to get the 5 ultra basic and just stuff a couple of checked bags with all the clothes. Not sure if this is a valid idea, but I’d appreciate any input.
Why do you need multiple checked bags during March in Florida?
Vale said:
Why do you need multiple checked bags during March in Florida?
5 people, 5 days in Orlando > 7-day Caribbean cruise. The ultra basic doesn’t allow carry-on, only 1 personal item per passenger @ 16 x 13 x 6 inches.
@Case
Makes sense, but what doesn’t is planning a full-on 2-week vacation for 5 people, using a 3rd party and not being able to come up with a few hundred bucks for baggage. I would not bet on what you’re doing if I were one of the five in the party.
Always book direct.
@Vale
I totally get what you’re saying. Not super flush, but a family member is paying for a Caribbean cruise out of Port Canaveral, so we just have to get down there, then it’s all covered.
Having said that, you’re probably right. I’ll just keep an eye on prices for a dip during BF sales.
@Case
That’s peak/prime season in Orlando, and they’ll see a Canadian coming from a mile away. What makes you think there will be Black Friday deals? I would book this sooner than later.
Vale said:
@Case
That’s peak/prime season in Orlando, and they’ll see a Canadian coming from a mile away. What makes you think there will be Black Friday deals? I would book this sooner than later.
What does that mean, ‘they’ll see a Canadian coming a mile away?’
@Case
Because everybody from Canada and their brother is going to flock there that time of year. They are not going to hand out ‘deals’ when it’s guaranteed money. Quite the opposite. Book early for the ‘best’ rates.
@Vale
Cool. I’ll make sure to post an update.
What do you consider a ‘deal?’ What pricing are you currently seeing?
I have a feeling WestJet will connect through Delta, have you tried Delta? Alaska?
@Vale
Nah, it’s WestJet direct. The diff is ~25%.
The ultra basic fare through the reseller is about $2000 plus $65 per checked bag (planning 2) per direction.
The price for econo, which includes 1 carry-on each with no checked bag, is a shade over $2700.
@Case
This comment is empty, admin should fix.
So, WestJet ultra basic - no refunds. If they cancel, you’re out money - and flights get canceled a lot.
You won’t be sitting together - you get middle seats or seats in the back - basically whatever is left over. If you have a cruise to get to, I’d book confirmed (includes a checked bag) and book directly with WestJet as WestJet won’t help you if your flight gets canceled. March is also spring break, so it’s going to be busy!!
@Alix
I’m leaning towards econo through WestJet.
I was aware of the spring break holiday. We’re going early March, so fingers crossed it won’t be too busy. I’m hoping there’s not too much ‘bleed’ before the break. My research tells me most states break late March, early April.
@Alix
You are not out of money if WestJet cancels. They will either rebook or do a full refund.
Griff said:
@Alix
You are not out of money if WestJet cancels. They will either rebook or do a full refund.
Only if you book through WestJet. If you book through a third party - you need to contact that third party for refunds and rebooking. Or rebook with WestJet - pay up front and hope you get hold of the third party for a refund. Sorry. I re-read my comment and was not very clear. If you cancel an ultra basic, they won’t refund, but if they cancel, they will. My apologies.