Looking for cheap airfare

[Spacemom]

I'm in Austin, and I'd like to take my two sons to visit family in Dallas. I checked Southwest and the "cheap" fare was $341 round trip for the 3 of us.

Any ideas for a better deal?

I haven't flown in 15 years, maybe I'm just seriously out of touch and this is a good deal. :D

[Richardo]

1. You can't drive it?

200 miles, about 3 hours.

Really, it would probably end up taking the same amount of time - by the time you got to the airport an hour ahead of time, flew, got off in DFW, got a car, etc etc.

Lots cheaper too.

But $50 per person per leg is probably as low as you're going to get.

[Spacemom]

4. I have made the drive before

My Auntie is actually just north of Dallas and it usually comes out to about 5 hours.

We probably will drive (I don't have $350 to spare) but I thought if I could find a cheap airfare, we would try it that way once.

Thanks though. :)

[marmar]

2. That seems awfully steep for a Dallas-Austin airfare

Are you including a Saturday-night stay? That can make a big difference in fares.

[esvhicl]

3. Time of year-requires planning ahead

I usually fly LA-Austin for around $350.00

Right now, it's $850.00

Gotta be the time of year. Also the cheaper fares go to advance ticket holders.

Texas gas is cheaper, better drive.

[Longhorn]

5. Take the train!

The Texas Eagle goes from Austin to Dallas in just under six hours and when I just did a fare check, it showed $44 each way for all three of you.

That's if your sons are 15 or under. Sounds like fun to me! I'm thinking of taking the train to Chicago for a birthday trip with Mr. Longhorn later this summer. I've always wanted to travel by train.

[yellowdogintexas]

7. the train is great and what an experience for the kids.

observation car, snack bar, bathrooms, etc.

[Spacemom]

8. Great Idea

I'm gonna check that out. Heck, I'd spend more than $44 in gas getting up there!

Thanks for the suggestion!

[kansasblue]

6. Try Orbitz.

[merci_me]

9. Check this from Southwest

I get the weekly specials from Southwest and from time to time, they have other specials.

Tonight I got the specials for flights on July 4th. If you can fly on that day, that leg of the flight is only $29, Austin to Dallas.

http://www.southwest.com/?src=e062405

Mary