Why Are Airfares So High!

[RandL2015]

Our wedding is not until Thanksgiving 2015, but we sent out the STD last August. I was so happy when people began putting down their deposit to book their rooms. However, now that airfares are coming out, people are wanting to back out. They are calling me saying, "Do you know the airfare prices are ridiculous!!" Don't get me wrong, I do understand. When we went to Jamaica last year, the airfare was around $400.00 pp round trip. Now, the airfare ranges from $650 -$900.00 pp round trip. It is going to be real interesting to see what our final guest count will be. Most likely, the bride, groom, and a witness. Lol. Have to laugh to keep from crying sometimes.

[puravida2015]

I completely understand, it's pretty much the same for us. We got a great deal on the rooms because we were able to get the resort "opening special rate" however, since most of our guests aren't flying directly out of hubs that frequently service Costa Rica the air ended up being RIDICULOUS!!!! It's about $750 - $900 pp.  We ended up with 30 so we're happy with this since we wanted to keep it fairly intimate.  You'll be fine, you'll have more than 1 witness! LOL

[JenniferH114]

@@RandL2015 - Wait until Southwest's airfare for that time is released. They are often the least expensive and you get two bags free per person. All of our guests booked airfare and hotel packages together so their rates have been locked in. I find that prices are better that way than booking separately. Good luck!! It'll all work out.

[TAkathy]

Yes, airfares are higher across the board from rates even 1-2 years ago.  This applies to almost every itinerary and all times of the year. One reason for this is that with airline consolidation, there are fewer airlines serving different areas and fewer flights to accommodate the travelers.  This is resulting in fewer flight vacancies.  Fewer available seats = higher prices.

One additional thing that impacts your pricing however, is the fact that your DW happens during the busiest traveling holiday of the year - THANKSGIVING.  No matter what, the prices for holidays are sky-high and this has been shown to be the holiday where people travel most - to visit family or to visit warmer locations.

So, unfortunately, you may not get many breaks or see much downward motion on rates.

[RandL2015]

Thanks everyone!! So, the guest state they are going to wait to see if the prices will go down, or wait until Southwest Airlines come out with their rates. Crossing my fingers that it will be a little cheaper.

[beckys98]

@@RandL2015 - We are getting married in Jamaica as well. First of all, I do think fares will go down and you'll be able to find sales on Southwest. 

 

However, another strategy we used is recommending to guests that they sign up for the Southwest credit card. Right now they have an incentive where you get 50,000 bonus points for signing up. My flight to Jamaica (not bought during a sale) was about 21,000 points - so you could almost get 2 round trips with the bonus points! When the incentive ends, you still get 25,000 points, which still helps a ton. We have had SEVERAL guests take advantage of this and get their flights for free. 

 

https://creditcards.chase.com/6000324?CELL=6PLX

 

The Southwest card also does not charge any international transaction fees. So it is a GREAT one to use to pay for stuff in Jamaica and will save you money there too. 

 

I use my Southwest card for everything, including paying my bills, and it really has the best reward. I've only had it for a year and have already used several free flights in addition to my Jamaica flight. 

 

Food for thought!

Edited February 22, 2015 by beckys98

[RandL2015]

@@beckys98 what a WONDERFUL suggestion. I will definitely share this with my guest. Thank you so much!!

[Soon2beMrsJ]

@@RandL2015 I know exactly how you feel!!! I felt terrible when I saw how expensive the flights were getting. We really wanted to keep the flight costs down for our guests. When we went to Jamaica last May the flight was $420 and now they're upwards of $700-$800 roundtrip!! Just keep telling myself that it'll be an amazing trip and wedding day, everyone will have a great time, and I'll get to marry the love of my life    It'll be awesome no matter what!! 

[hellosassypants]

I'm so sorry and I completely understand how you feel. Most of our guests backed out because the airfare to Mexico was ridiculously expensive. (The funny thing is the flight is only 2.5 hours) I use this app called "Hopper" and it's similar to Kayak. It notifies you when the rates are dropping and when it's a good deal to buy on it. It has helped us out tremendously because I was able to buy 10 airfare tickets for $2400 through VivaAerobus. Good luck and don't get discouraged yet!

[TinkerSofi]

It really makes no sense considering the gas prices are so low. How airlines operate makes no sense to me haha. I'm hoping for the best ladies, and let's hope those prices go down. Your guests might be able to luck out on a sale