How to Get Cheap Flights to Disney

Wondering how to get cheap flights to Disney (or anywhere else for that matter)? It's pretty easy, actually.  However, plan on investing a bit of time to save money.  The extra time spent on getting the best deal possible will be worth it when you're strolling down Main Street, U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom.   


Here, I share with you how to get cheap flights for domestic travel to a Disney Destination.  What does the cost of airfare depend on? 

  • Competition
  • Demand and Supply
  • Distance
  • Cost of Fuel

Many people expect airfare to be high.  However, I recently heard that a friend bought a round-trip ticket from California to Orlando for about $250.  That's much better than other fares that were well over $300! 

Here's how to get cheap flights to Disney and save BIG.



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How to Get Cheap Flights - Don't Book Too Early or Too Late

how to get cheap flightsStart researching airfares 6 months to a year before you plan on traveling. This is just to see what you can expect to spend on airfare.

Ideally, you want to book your flight 4 months to 3 weeks before you travel.

Book too early and you might not get the best deal possible.  Book too late and you chance not being able to get a flight or paying full price (and who wants to do THAT?)

Be aware that airfares change several times a day.  You can expect to find the lowest airfares on Tuesdays, about 12:00 p.m. Pacific time (3:00 p.m. Eastern).

Use technology to track and keep an eye on trends.  Yes, this may be a lot of work, but keep reading - there are other tips to help you save with less work involved.


Ask for Discounts

You may qualify for a discount on airfare if you are a member of the military, a student, a senior, a member of AAA.  If you are traveling due to loss of a friend of family member, let the airline know - you may receive a bereavement discount.

Book Through a Disney Travel Agent

If you decide to book airfare with a Disney travel agent, specify that you want the lowest possible fare.  This may seem like an obvious step, but your agent - having your best interests in mind - may ignore that 4:00 a.m. flight for the 9:00 a.m. flight that's $40 dollars more. 

Which brings up another point - if you don't mind paying extra for comfort, make sure your agent knows.  Spending a bit extra for comfort or peace of mind can make a world of difference as to how much you enjoy your vacation.

Or you can...

Book Directly Through the Airlines

By booking directly through airlines like JetBlue and Southwest, you can save a substantial amount of money. When you visit an airline's site, sign up for e-mail updates, then check out the airline's social media accounts.  Follow your airlines-of-choice on Facebook and Twitter and you'll be notified the minute a special rate is available.

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How to Get Cheap Flights -  Check Out Travel Sites on the Internet

By researching the cheapest flights to your Disney destination online, you can quickly check multiple airlines at once and save time by buying with just a few clicks.  Some internet travel sites will let you book airfare at a super-discounted rate.  

Bid on Your Seats

Auction sites offer you deep discountsif you're willing to be flexible.  One caveat: you don't get the details of your flight (airline, flight number, time, etc.) until you pay.  But sometimes the savings are worth the mystery.

Shop for One

Research the cost of airfare for one against the cost of airfare for a group.  Make sure to review the airline's cancellation and change policies and don't expect to get seats together. 

Bumping Your Flight

This technique is for those who may be going for a quick trip, as opposed to those going for an extended family vacation. Once you've booked your cheap flight to Disney, consider using this technique, known as bumping.  

You see, airlines know that some passengers will not make the flight, so they overbook.  If you volunteer to take a later fligtht, you can score complimentary tickets, money rewards, or better seating. 

The key to this technique is to arrive early, ask if they flight will be full when you check in, carry on your bag (which may not be possible considering where you're going), and wait by the flight desk "just in case." 

You're more likely to be bumped during high-season, holidays, and high-travel days.

You shouldn't rely on the possibility of getting bumped, but it's a nice perk if you can be flexible.


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How to Get Cheap Flights - Baggage Fees

Here's a idea of what you can expect to spend on baggage fees.  Prices of checked luggage increase significantly with each additional bag.

Airline First Bag Second Bag
American Airlines $25 $35
Continental Airlines $25 $35
Delta  $25 $35
JetBlue  Free $35
Northwest $25 $35
Southwest  Free Free
United Airlines $25 $35
US Airways $25 $35

Fees are only an example and are subject to change at any time. Always check with your airline to find out the current cost of checking baggage.



How to Get Cheap Flights to Disney - Tips to Remember

  • Cheap flights to Disney are not easy to get; airlines want you to pay higher prices.

  • The best day to purchase airfare is on Tuesday (12:00 pm Pacific, 3:00 pm Eastern)

  • The best days to travel are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays

  • The worst days to travel are Fridays, Sundays, and before-during-and-right-after holidays.

  • Do NOT book last minute.  Period.  You don't want to take that kind of risk, especially if you've booked your accomodations and have purchased tickets.

  • Avoid hidden fees - check for travel surcharges and other extra costs that can bump up the cost of your travel.

  • The first flight of the day is often the cheapest. During and after lunch or dinner is pretty cheap, too.

  • Be flexible - check out different airlines, different flight times, and different airports to fly into before making a decision.

  • Consider flying into airports other than your first choice or the closest one - the money you save on airfare may make the cost of car rental or other transportation worth the extra effort.

  • If one airline has a sale, others will follow.

  • Check historical fares, trends, and other important information to help you predict what you may have to pay for airfare today.

  • Discounted First-Class airfare may be cheaper than the full-price of flying Coach.


Now that you know how to get cheap flights, book your cheap flight to Disney today!

Next Steps of the Planning Process

How to Get the Cheapest Disney Tickets

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Flightnetwork.com -Specializing in Cheap Flights


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