[GuatMommy2Be]

Which airlines have adoption fares? Do they save anything?

Since gas prices have gone down tremendously (by over 50 cents) can we expect to see the same with airfare costs?

[kerrib]

Adoption fares are generally discounted from full fares and can be considerably higher than restricted fares. You should be very careful when asking about them. Definitely compare them to restricted fares before you purchase them. As for gas, it's anyone's guess, but airlines are doing so poorly in general I don't think it will have a tremendous impact on fares. that's just my wild guess, though!

[KKR213]

I checked with Delta on the adoption fare and it was more expensive than a regular fare. It can also only be used on your pick up trip and only for parents. My mother travelled with me and she would not have been eligible for the fare had it been a better deal.

[Tiggysgirl]

I would guess not about the airfares going down due to gas prices. In my experience (travel agent) the fares may go down as we head out of summer until we get into November. After the holidays they'll probably drop again until late spring, early summer.

But, that's just from experience in the past with flights. You can usually find deals now and again, but it seems like typically summer and holidays are higher than the other months. I'm not really sure if it would be the same to Guatemala.

Also, I did have a look briefly at some of the discounted fares (most, I think, if not all you have to call the airline) and if you're wanting a refundable ticket it'll probably be a deal, BUT, it seems that they're higher than nonrefundable tickets. If you think there's a chance you may have to change your tickets, find out what the adoptive flight deal is and what the non-refundable fare is and what the change fee is. It's usually about $100 unless that's changed.

One thing, though, to remember is that when you change a non-refundable ticket, oftentimes you have to keep the same parameters as when you booked it. For example, if you are on a fare that has a 7 day advance purchase and requires a saturday night stay, you'll have to comply with those restrictions with the new ticket or pay a higher fare in addition to the change fee. BUT, another thing to consider is that many fares are only 3 or even 1 day advanced purchase, so you could possibly find something similar.

Was that all confusing!? A lot goes into the fare prices, so just make sure that you really look into what the best deal would be if you think there's a chance you might change your flight plans.

Oh, one more thing LOL sometimes, if you have to change plans, it's cheaper just to buy new tickets (like, maybe with a different airline) and hang onto your original tickets and use them at a different time.

Okay, I think i'm done now LOL Back to painting!

Amy

[Guatmom2006]

I agree with the others. The adoption fares, unfortunately, are usually more expensive than if you just shop around for discounted fares. JMO, but if the airlines would just offer reasonable fares, consistently, they would fill up their planes and maybe not go bankrupt! Instead, they play these headgames with us and fly half empty planes. Okay, I'm off my soap box now!

[GuatMommy2Be]

Thanks everyone. Are there certain days during the week or weekend that fares are slightly less expensive, or times? My mom swears by this.... But for the most part all of the fares I've seen are the same.

[Tiggysgirl]

I don't have any idea if these times will change anything, but look at midweek flights, tue-thur and make sure there is a saturday night stay in there. i.e. flight out thursday and return monday. I'm not sure if Guatemala flights have those types of restrictions, but many other places do.

[luv2teach2]

adoption fares are way more expensive. The adoption fare for delta was $400 more then the regular fare I got online. Shop around...

[HyKathleen]

Does anybody know if you get a break on your child's fare home if they are over two years old and subject to full fare? Would you be required to pay for a round trip which is traditionally cheaper than one way?

[jules17]

This is somewhat related. We are already thinking ahead to our pick-up trip. Did most of you buy a lap ticket or another seat for your child?

Sam will be a baby (we hope!) but there is something so strange to me about holding him and having no way to put a seatbelt on him?? Or do they give you one?

Same thing with when our foster mother took him in the taxi when they left - no car seat!

[GuatMommy2Be]

I think you can always get a Baby B'air for the pick up.

[jules17]

I was wondering because as we flew home, we had a couple in front of us with a little guy who was about 2. They never restrained him in any way, including landing.

Seemed weird to me!

[SadieAnn]

Sorry, no info on plane fares but a comment on not restraining a child on a plane.

The first flew with my son when he was @ 4 mos old, I opted to hold him.

I carried him on the plane in a body carrier and sat down. It was at least 15 min to take off but immediately the flight attendent came up and said, "you know you can't keep him in that when we take off, you have to hold him in your lap AND you cannot put your seat belt around him". (Imagine someone with a very bossy attitude).

So I would say, apart from purchasing a 2nd seat, at least on domestic flights they do not allow you to secure your child anyway except for the tighest grip possible from your arms. (Which is what I did!)