www.CostaRicaTicas.com

The price was $433 all weekend, roundtrip to SJO from Oklahoma City. Had to wait on my buddy to get his final Military orders, he ships out in march to Afganistan, and he has a bunch of schools an BS to get done before then....Short of the long, tried to book today....F*king $654! ! ! ! ! ! What are the odds.....Any inside info guys?

Supply and Demand.

Yield Management by the Reservation system.

Always jump on a good fare ASAP.

Typically the further out from your travel date the less expensive the fare.

All airlines use very complex programs to maximize yields.

I've been there too, one of the worst feelings in the world.

Yeah, the same software that is used in slot machines...

_________________
"Mongo only pawn in game of life"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3K6UmgJIOw

Wait a couple of days, and keep checking daily (different times).

Go to kayak.com, register and set up and email alert for cheap fares to SJO. It will let you know immediately when fares change across a broad range of airlines.

_________________
"Your love gives me such a thrill
but your love don't pay my bills,
I NEED THE MONEY!" - John Lee Hooker

Disclaimer: The above is merely the opinion of the author unless specific scientific data is included.
Your mileage may vary. https://costaricaticas.com/phpBB2/viewto ... 978#206978

I disagree....
I've looked at fares with Continental from one to nine months and the price was the same.
Can't say about other airlines.

Not anymore. In the past (years ago), when the airlines priced tickets strictly on number of seats available, that was true. When the plane was empty, it was cheaper and as the seats filled, the fares rose.

That's still the case, but only to a point. Airlines now use computer programs with very complex algorithms to compute the fares. The fares farther out may actually be more expensive because of the uncertainty these days in terms of gas prices, change in flying habits due to economy, terrorism, etc etc.

Don't forget the variable that the airlines try and jack customers for more money on certain "special" travel dates.

Air Canada is a perfect example. Normally, they have fares around $248 one way from Toronto direct to SJO. But when I went to book my flight 2 months ago, the price on the date I wanted to go down (New Years day) was $650! One way!!! A month later and it was $840! This despite the loads not increasing. No way I was going to pay that, so I decided to use my airline employee discount for $120 taxes-in. But that's a space available fare so I have been nervous of getting bumped. Doesn't look like I have anything to fear though as there was still like 30 seats open as of a day or two ago and the AC full fare had dropped to the normal $248 again.