Airfare escalating - Has anybody tried this?

[jtracy54]

We are booked for our daughter's wedding June 20 - 24 at higher end pricey resort from and the cost for airfare for these dates is ridiculous. We have discovered that booking airfare from Monday to Monday (June 17 - 24) is more economical but still quite high. We were going to stay at another hotel from June 17 through 19th and then go to the wedding site where we currently have reservations. I am seeing all-inclusive packages for 7 days that, if we booked, would be cheaper, even if we didn't stay the entire time - only intending on staying at the beginning of the week and then using the flight to return home. It would seem that we would be wasting $$ by not staying at the first resort from the 19th through the 24 when in fact we are either breaking even or saving money by doing this. We have been to JA 7 or 8 times prior but have never heard of anybody doing this. I invite input from any forum participants because we think this would work but are wondering if we are missing anything...

[Jim-Donna]

Looking forward to the thoughts on this too. Sometimes booking the all inclusive is like getting a free flight.

[Rambo]

almost like when they first started, "come stay with us-fly free"

[butch]

I have been thinking of going back to all-inclusive just for the cost as well. There are some good deals at the Riu flying from my area that would rival flight/room costs I have been finding. And it just takes a few minutes in a taxi to get down to the fun part of the beach or cliffs!

[Blake]

What airport will you be flying from?

Are your travel dates flexible?

June shouldn't be very expensive for flying but it will be a little more expensive than last year due to oil prices.

Do you have any points you can use? What sites have you been looking for airfare on?
Don't buy this early, wait one more month, you want to buy two months out when the price is lowest.

Google.com/flights has great search software to find the lowest price.

Bing.com/flights has a nifty tool that lets you see what people paid in the past for the same route/time and gives recommendations on whether to buy now or wait.

Going with the AI resort+airfare is RARELY worth it, usually there are additional fees to make it more expensive especially if you don't really "want" the AI experience.

[jtracy54]

Thanks, Blake, for your suggestions. Some things we have already considered, otherwise would not be considering this. We are using some airfare watch apps and such but I wasn't aware of the google and bing tools so will definitely consider this. Right now, by our calcuations, going with a plan like this does allow for us to break even when considering lodging, food, drink, etc.. We do enjoy the AI experience but have also done otherwise.

Will exploring and pass info on and eventual outcome.

Will continue to welcome any and all input from forum friends.

[NRV]

I had an offer to go to Negril last minute at the beginning of February. The airfare was expensive. I added 1 night stay at Negril Beach Club & together it was $100 less than the airfare alone! It was the exact same flight too! I booked the flight & hotel thru Expedia.

[booger]

Tried the Wednesday trick yesterday and sure enough the same fare from Tuesday(day before) was $200 cheaper. So of course I whipped out my credit card and booked.

[shellyk]

It's funny and about time someone other than me see's this. I recommend this to people all the time and often when I assist people either that I know or from tripadvisor that ask my help. Apple and funjet offer huge deals to the RIU's the square apple deals are insane cheaper than airfare alone from here in WI, Chicago area. I tell people take it go stay at one of the cozier hotels and stroll in and out for free food and drinks that you technically paid for anyways. Still comes out cheaper than booking air and cozier hotel often by a large amount.

[ohliz]

I've done it...booked an air-hotel package and not used the hotel part, or booked the package for 3 nights hotel (the minimum) and 10 days air and done my own thing for the rest of thee time, never had a problem.