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Boat or airfare first?
#64936
08/15/2015 06:01 PM
08/15/2015 06:01 PM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 252 Chicago, IL
Showdavid
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 252
Chicago, IL
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Hi all... Planning to head back down this Spring, this time WITH THE KIDS. I'm planning it during spring break, March 26 -April 2nd. Our past trips were with other adults so we travelled end of January, early February and it was easy to use miles for the journey from Chicago. Now with 5 on the itinerary, and being spring break, miles just won't cover it. Question is, should I book the boat now and worry about airfare later? I just read that best time to book the flight is 100-50 days out, BUT, being spring break, I'm afraid these guidelines might not apply. Airfare is crazy now but don't want to be caught in the buzz saw when it's getting down to the wire. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />
Dave
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Re: Boat or airfare first?
[Re: CoolChange]
#64938
08/15/2015 06:22 PM
08/15/2015 06:22 PM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 252 Chicago, IL
Showdavid
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 252
Chicago, IL
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Last year when I booked my flight with miles, the cash fare was around $1200.00 R.T. When we had some last minute guests book, the paid around $ 500.00 R.T.. Just don't know if this is the norm for spring break time or not. I'm looking at close to 5 grand for airfare right now. Can't think it could get much worse....
Dave
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Re: Boat or airfare first?
[Re: Showdavid]
#64939
08/15/2015 11:01 PM
08/15/2015 11:01 PM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 414 Memphis, TN
beerMe
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 414
Memphis, TN
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I always book the boat first.
The 50-100 days out is pretty much what we've experienced (about 12 data points) but I don't know about spring break. I've given up on the hope of lower fuel prices ever lowering fares. From what I've read excess capacity would be the only reason they'll lower fares. The extra revenue will be used to lower operating expenses which will increase profits. Basically, that means buying more efficient planes.
For last June-July, 6 months out we booked a big cat and were flying kids in from Europe (we were coming from the US) - we wanted everything to go as planned. We waited a little on our airfare, it went up, we chickened out and bought ($976/pp), about 60 days out they dropped to $746. I'd still do it again, the increase in airfare was a drop in the bucket compared to what the big boat cost us.
Life involves risks, take some prudent ones (NOT with the BVI ferries)!
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Re: Boat or airfare first?
[Re: Showdavid]
#64943
08/18/2015 11:11 AM
08/18/2015 11:11 AM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 826 Tortola, BVI
LianeLeTendre
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 826
Tortola, BVI
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It's always best to find the boat first. You don't have to put any money down as the company will put the boat on hold for you while you find flights. That is the whole point of the "option" period.
Then go find flights to correspond to the dates you want. If you find a better fare a day or two on either side of your dates, then go back to the company and ask if you can change the dates. If the boat is available for the new dates, then Bob's your uncle.
The point is that if you buy your tickets first, you may not be able to find a boat for the corresponding dates. The airlines charge you to change dates, bareboat companies don't!
You could also lose the boat you wanted in the meantime if it isn't on hold for you. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />
Last edited by LianeLeTendre; 08/18/2015 11:12 AM.
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Re: Boat or airfare first?
[Re: gracet03]
#64950
09/30/2015 12:14 AM
09/30/2015 12:14 AM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 674 Vail, CO/St. Thomas, USVI
caribbeangirl13
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 674
Vail, CO/St. Thomas, USVI
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Whichever you decide, do it quickly! Granted we typically travel during Christmas and New Year's weeks but we book at least 10 months in advance to get any decent fares and schedules for our flights. I've never seen it go down.
Sue s/v Ripple Leopard 40
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