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This is a rumour that's been around for a while. Google "browser air fare" and you'll find articles about it. The opinions that reject the theory, are more convincing to me that those that support it. It has certainly not been true for me in my frequent browsing and reservations over the years. I don't believe it at all.Just as a point of interest, is it true that while searching, you can avoid price increases if you use a private browser?
I suggest using a search engine like 'momondo.se'. You can get NYC>BCN>NYC in January for just 321 USD ....I will add to the cairn of good deal anecdotes...
I saw an article two days ago that said January is the best month for buying tickets, so I starting looking for my NYC to BCN flight. Just got one today for $549. That's the lowest I've paid in years (I go to Barcelona about once a year).
Time to get clicking people!
I can’t argue, nor need to. The main point really in my comment was to admire the investment made by so many from so far away.This is a rumour that's been around for a while Google "browser air fare" and you'll find articles about it. The opinions that reject the theory, are more convincing to me that those that support it. It has certainly not been true for me in my frequent browsing and reservations over the years. I don't believe it at all.
Florida-Madrid:
Try www.norwegian.com . Most likely the best deal if you are flexible. Only modern, highquality planes & staff. Starting on USD 243 (one way, January).
Round trip USD 446, late Jan.-early March.
LAX-Madrid, round trip same dates, from USD 461.
Check the Low-fare calendar for best prices.
Just a quick note to American Pilgrims - I just booked RT, MultiCity, air travel from Los Angeles to Pamplona, (return flight Santiago to LAX) for $648 (Aug - Sept). That's the lowest I've ever seen, much less booked.
Five minutes later I booked another flight, again RT, MultiCity, (LAX to Lyon / Santiago to LAX - July returning September) for $740. About $100 more that the previous fare but that was expected. Flying to France is typically more expensive than flying into Spain. That just taxes. Still, $740 is a deal!
Ya'll might want to check fares from your city soon. No doubt the rates will go back up. I can't imagine fares like these will be around for long.
Buen Camino!
Florida-Madrid:
Try www.norwegian.com . Most likely the best deal if you are flexible. Only modern, highquality planes & staff. Starting on USD 243 (one way, January).
Round trip USD 446, late Jan.-early March.
LAX-Madrid, round trip same dates, from USD 461.
Check the Low-fare calendar for best prices.
Which airlines?
Just be careful as food on this flight is an extra! I was looking at this flight from Dublin to nyc. Bags are extra too!.
Well, a meal, seat reservation, and a check-in luggage etc. is peanuts in price compared to the airfare. Personally, my backpack is carry-on size, partly because that prevents me from bringing on unneccesary pack weight: After all, I shall carry it across Spain. But also for not having to wait for it in airports/loosing it on the trip, etc. As for the Camino itself: Always keep your belongings with you.Just read the fine print. They are very clear on the different Fares and what the includes or doesn’t. Bags, food, seat assignment, blankets, extra carry on bag are included in the Low Fare Plus “Fare”. All of the extras still came in lower by $250 than any other flight. Plus a non stop. They don’t have a first class....or at least I don’t believe so. Maybe a preferred seating section, but not that I noticed. My seat was super comfy.
They are here for real longtime, as long as we consumers understand that this is just transportation and not 1st class luxury anymore. A new era. The world is moving forwards big time,with serious beneficial prices, thankfully. Makes it possible for us all to take some mindleaps, no?I, too, took advantage of the current low airfares
Very happy for you! Yes, it is new possibilities indeed! (I see they have low prices, ca. 140 USD, from Madrid to Miami as well, if you are a little flexible) I have actually been able to book a flight from top Norway to Malaga for as little as 50 EurosI booked a couple months ago Miami to Paris, one way, $165. Could not believe the good fortune. We don't travel to Europe as a rule so we will be visiting there for a few days then taking the train to SJPDP. After the Camino we are catching a cruise ship back to the States. Baggage and food included.
You are "one lucky duck"!I booked a couple months ago Miami to Paris, one way, $165. Could not believe the good fortune. We don't travel to Europe as a rule so we will be visiting there for a few days then taking the train to SJPDP. After the Camino we are catching a cruise ship back to the States. Baggage and food included.
Although I have short legs, I don't enjoy flying in the middle seat either. This year we really splurged and paid for premium economy on American Airlines. Phil injured his knee last summer and is still using a brace and cane so the extra leg room, leg rests, etc were a real lifesaver. Now of course going back to a cramped seat will seem like punishment.I have learned that a cheap fare is just that, if it does not include a checked bag, seat assignment and any other amenity. There is no way I will fly from North American to Europe in a middle seat, or in a standard seat with my knees in my chin.
To me, life is too short and is all about the journey not the destination. So, I am willing to pay more for basic comfort. Plus, I sleep on the way over, every time.
All too frequently, when you add the usual and largely default necessities of a decent seat assignment (window or aisle) and checked bag, the price usually creeps back into what is charged by the major national carriers.
I look at the all-in-price for comparison purposes. False economy is just that. In practice, I forget the price I paid for the ticket way before I forget the quality of the flight. The memory of a good flight or a bad flight stays for a long time.
I view this as a variant of the old saw: "marry in haste. repent at leisure."
Hope this helps the dialog.
I did just a quick look at norwegian.com and saw a $371 low fare from Boston to Madrid on Jan. 11 and a Madrid to Boston return on Feb. 28 of $154.Tried today but fares from Montreal and Burlington, VT were not as attractive.
Although I have short legs, I don't enjoy flying in the middle seat either. This year we really splurged and paid for premium economy on American Airlines. Phil injured his knee last summer and is still using a brace and cane so the extra leg room, leg rests, etc were a real lifesaver. Now of course going back to a cramped seat will seem like punishment.
I also read yesterday that consumer protections in the airline biz are going to get weaker in 2018. Delta is now charging for overseas checked luggage. Also the law requiring that the full price including fees and taxes be advertised is being relaxed so the $199 fare might be $599 after a few clicks into the purchase. We met a man that had this happen to him on American just last week.
Norwegian has a Premium cabin which is more like business class and not first class. However, the seats recline and there is a foot rest that pops up so it is really comfortable. Premium seats (like Low Fare plus seats) include everything (seat choice, bags, and food). They cost the same as basic coach seats on most other airlines (and a thousand dollars less each way than most business/first class tickets) and the comfort is well worth it for the 10 -11 hour flight. Having said that, I'm not someone who has ever flown first class, so I think the Premium seats are great, but I have heard complaints from people who are used to flying first class that it is not the same.Just read the fine print. They are very clear on the different Fares and what the includes or doesn’t. Bags, food, seat assignment, blankets, extra carry on bag are included in the Low Fare Plus “Fare”. All of the extras still came in lower by $250 than any other flight. Plus a non stop. They don’t have a first class....or at least I don’t believe so. Maybe a preferred seating section, but not that I noticed. My seat was super comfy.
Have you looked into Ait Transat from TO?Are there anyone flying from Canada here? I'm planning to leave in early May to walk Portuguese route (starting from Lisbon) I'll be flying out from Calgary. Somebody told me that flying to Porto is cheaper than any other cities if you walk FC or PC!
I have looked into Air Transat from Clagary to Porto. It was around $1200-1300 CAD a few days ago.. (What's TO? Is it Toronto?)Have you looked into Ait Transat from TO?
Yes, TO = Toronto. That is expensive, but yes, even with Air Transat prices are much higher this year than last year for Malaga I noticed. I flew for less last year than I would have 25 years ago. Perhaps that was the anomaly. What has shocked me is the airport taxes. When looking at flights on Air Transat a few weeks ago the flight was 900$, but so,were the airport taxes!I have looked into Air Transat from Clagary to Porto. It was around $1200-1300 CAD a few days ago.. (What's TO? Is it Toronto?)
I paid $750 for the round tickets from Vancouver to Paris for the past May with Air Transat.
Thanks. That's good to know. I'll look into it tonight. As long as I'm in Spain or Portugal, I can take buses or trains to get to Lisbon and they are quite cheap and a nice ride before starting a long walk.Yes, TO = Toronto. That is expensive, but yes, even with Air Transat prices are much higher this year than last year for Malaga I noticed. I flew for less last year than I would have 25 years ago. Perhaps that was the anomaly. What has shocked me is the airport taxes. When looking at flights on Air Transat a few weeks ago the flight was 900$, but so,were the airport taxes!That I cannot understand. But to fly to Barcelona with them is very reasonable, as well on Air Canda: 800$ or so.
That is one good approach to the travel, as it could be very pleasant and add interest to your journey if you have the time. Just don't think that it will save you much money!As long as I'm in Spain or Portugal, I can take buses or trains to get to Lisbon and they are quite cheap and a nice ride before starting a long walk.
I'm guessing that it would cost at least C$350 return to get her from Calgary to New York and back. She could get an equivalent deal by booking Calgary-Madrid on any airline. Or perhaps pay $100 for a lot of convenience! That's the thing - there are better fares from the huge cities. The small population of Canada and the big distances can't support budget airlines except in a few situations in high season. Hopping across North America to get a trans-Atlantic flight is usually best done on a single ticket.Hi, can you get to New York cheaply?
Thank you. Flying from one continent to another is not like taking a cheap grey hound from Vancouver to Florida. I expect it to be pricy but all I want is to minimize it as much as possible so that I can have more room for spontaneity when I land in a different place, taking their buses, trains, maybe hitchhikingThat is one good approach to the travel, as it could be very pleasant and add interest to your journey if you have the time. Just don't think that it will save you much money!
Early May is like tomorrow morning when it comes to a trans-Atlantic flight. I wouldn’t watch and hope for too long.Thank you. Flying from one continent to another is not like taking a cheap grey hound from Vancouver to Florida. I expect it to be pricy but all I want is to minimize it as much as possible so that I can have more room for spontaneity when I land in a different place, taking their buses, trains, maybe hitchhiking
I know. I am going to get tickets no later than, hopefully, mid-Feb.Early May is like tomorrow morning when it comes to a trans-Atlantic flight. I wouldn’t watch and hope for too long.
A good alternative to OPO is Vigo (VGO), just beneath ....Hi, can you get to New York cheaply? The Iberia Airlines website is giving me a price of about 900 Canadian dollars for a return flight from JFK to OPO in May / June 2018.
Jill
Thanks for your attention but it doesn't seem to be the case for May..A good alternative to OPO is Vigo (VGO), just beneath ....
Good prices around 550 CAD.
Always try "momondo.se" as yr search engine!
/ Bo
Just a quick note to American Pilgrims - I just booked RT, MultiCity, air travel from Los Angeles to Pamplona, (return flight Santiago to LAX) for $648 (Aug - Sept). That's the lowest I've ever seen, much less booked.
Five minutes later I booked another flight, again RT, MultiCity, (LAX to Lyon / Santiago to LAX - July returning September) for $740. About $100 more that the previous fare but that was expected. Flying to France is typically more expensive than flying into Spain. That just taxes. Still, $740 is a deal!
Ya'll might want to check fares from your city soon. No doubt the rates will go back up. I can't imagine fares like these will be around for long.
Buen Camino!
I too booked on American Airlines, however the flight is operated by Iberia!I too, just booked my r/t flight from Florida to Madrid, and the return from Santiago via Madrid to Florida. There are five segments involved, two going over, and three returning. This year's plan is to walk the Camino Invierno from Ponferrada to Santiago.
I used American Airlines. The entire base fare was USD $581. HOWEVER, if you want to choose your seat and get a decent seat, they will (of course) charge you for each seat assignment. All-in, seat assignments included, the total charges were USD $831.
This too, was the least expensive transatlantic fare I have seen in a long time. I thought it was because I am flying over in mid-April and returning at the end of April. But, it may be part of a trend...a good trend.
I suspect that it could be the result of the long term reduction in fuel prices, as result of an 'Economics 101' supply and demand curve. Generally, the airlines keep prices high for a season, pass the profits to their shareholders at the end of the business year, then reevaluate their long-term fuel cost prospects looking ahead. Lower prices MIGHT be a result of that business cycle.
In any event, if you are on the fence about "pulling the trigger" on your 2018 Camino plans, you are forewarned... Generally, airfare jumps from around mid-May through the end of August. if you can score a good deal now, booking early, I recommend you seriously consider doing so.
Hope this helps...
Trust me, you will prefer the service on Iberia over that on AA (American Airlines). The seats are more comfortable, staff more amenable, food better, and the wine is from Spain. Plus, from the moment you get to your seat, you feel as though you are already in Spain. It is a nice way to start off your Camino travel.
I am a "million miler" on United (UA) but no longer fly them for most travel as the compel me to connect at Newark, New Jersey (EWR) for any destination. It is a very unsatisfactory, and unsafe airport, in my experience and knowledge.
Anyway, living in South Florida, AA is the "fortress" carrier. Iberia is their codeshare. Whenever I fly international I intentionally book on AA so I can get the miles and use my points. BUT, I intentionally try to book a flight that includes as many Iberia segments as possible.
British Airways (BA) is another major One World partner with AA. But most all theri transatlantic flights operate through the Heathrow hub (LHR). IMHO, that is also an unsatisfactory routing. The airport is simply too big, poorly designed and unwieldy for most travelers who are connecting to onward flights.
In general, whenever I fly to Europe, I try to fly on the NON-US carrier codeshare partner, much for the reasons above. My favorites are: Iberia (IB) direct from Miami to Madrid; or AA to Charlotte (CLT) or Philadelphia (PHL), then Iberia to Madrid (MAD).
Terminal 4 at Madrid is wholly controlled by Iberia and it's partners. Connections are easy, such as when I fly onward to Santiago. The service is very good and the airport is well designed and operated. Flying into Madrid on another, non One World carrier, usually means landing at Terminal 1 then transferring between terminals to get to Terminal 4. I dislike transferring between terminals. My preference is to remain "airside."
Hope this helps.
Just seeing this now. We live in Victoria, BC. I feel like prices have taken quite a jump and particularly to Spain and Portugal. I hunted for anyway possible to get to get ourselves there for less but in the end bit the bullet and paid the ridiculous fares. I booked on January 11th and we paid 1457 each for airfares plus $321.00 each for "preferred" seats (emergency row and bulkhead to allow our long legs a bit of room.) Paris flights were $500.00 less but unfortunately that wasn't much help for a Porutgese Camino! Add in that we are travelling in August which is prime tourist season and I don't think the fares will improve. The only thing likely to change with time is less seat selection available! At least our overall travel time is decent. Victoria to Toronto with a 4-4.5 hr layover in each direction (which I think is needed for hiking to the other terminal, customs on the return, "just in case" and some stretching out.) Then Toronto to Lisbon. I am trying to stop myself from continuing to look at prices but I did sneak a peak this week and they were even higher than when I booked.Are there anyone flying from Canada here? I'm planning to leave in early May to walk Portuguese route (starting from Lisbon) I'll be flying out from Calgary. Somebody told me that flying to Porto is cheaper than any other cities if you walk FC or PC. So, I've been looking flights from Calgary to Porto but the prices are, whoa.. let me breath for a moment.., way higher than I paid for past May (from Vancouver to Paris). I haven't tried various cities to see if other cities are any cheaper than Porto but I saw this post so I'd like to ask if anyone knows any cheap ways to fly from West Canada (Calgary in my case) to either Portugal or Spain....
Thank you!
Have yet to see anyone refer to New Yok city as JFK or LGA.Actually the ICAO standard three-character code for Pearson International Airport at Toronto, Canada is YYZ NOT "TO." I presume that was simply shorthand for the poster.
.
I beg to differ. You are flying halfway around the world, for the yearly cost of a daily latte coffee. The prices have been C$1000-1500 for many years.I feel like prices have taken quite a jump... paid the ridiculous fares.
Flew last year to Malaga for the same price I used to fly to Paris 25 years ago! Bargain I say.I beg to differ. You are flying halfway around the world, for the yearly cost of a daily latte coffee. The prices have been C$1000-1500 for many years.
Which airline????Just a quick note to American Pilgrims - I just booked RT, MultiCity, air travel from Los Angeles to Pamplona, (return flight Santiago to LAX) for $648 (Aug - Sept). That's the lowest I've ever seen, much less booked.
Five minutes later I booked another flight, again RT, MultiCity, (LAX to Lyon / Santiago to LAX - July returning September) for $740. About $100 more that the previous fare but that was expected. Flying to France is typically more expensive than flying into Spain. That just taxes. Still, $740 is a deal!
Ya'll might want to check fares from your city soon. No doubt the rates will go back up. I can't imagine fares like these will be around for long.
Buen Camino!
Last year I used the app Hopper to monitor flights. I grabbed a great RT flight to/from FLL to Paris on Norwegian Airlines for $480, used Skyscanner for internal flight (Barcelona to Paris) and hotels then Rome2Rio for trains, buses and the rest. I spent less than $1,000 US total for travel. I also have T-Mobile so I had unlimited texts, data and .20 a minute calls. I used apps on wifi mainly for calling to save $$$Which airlines?
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