01/02/18 ***Airfare Alert***

[PastorCat]

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!

 

[ScooterB]

Which airlines?

 

[t2andreo]

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...

 

[Lucho]

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!

 

[Kitsambler]

Lufthansa is also on sale: Seattle-Lyon RT mid-Sept from $721

 

[Former member 49149]

I am impressed at the dedication shown by travellers from afar, as the cost of getting to and from Camino start and end points is really high. Just as a point of interest, is it true that while searching, you can avoid price increases if you use a private browser?

 

[C clearly]

Just as a point of interest, is it true that while searching, you can avoid price increases if you use a private browser?

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.

 

[BoH]

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 suggest using a search engine like 'momondo.se'. You can get NYC>BCN>NYC in January for just 321 USD ....

 

[Former member 49149]

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.

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.

 

[alexwalker]

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.

 

[TMcA]

Tried today but fares from Montreal and Burlington, VT were not as attractive. Wish they were.

 

[t2andreo]

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.

 

[Peter CapeTown]

Cape Town - Johannesburg - Madrid - Biarritz & Santiago - Madrid - Johannesburg - Cape Town (x 3 flights each way)

Purchased the flight tickets about a month ago. Iberia, ZAR 9400.- and ZAR 10400 with seat etc allocations (+-US$ 750)
NB: Now, a month later, those prices are +-50% higher. Just checked. Glad I purchased them a month ago. My buying decision (apart from the all important OK from my wife) was triggered when i saw the prices starting to move upwards.

 

[simeon]

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 be careful as food on this flight is an extra! I was looking at this flight from Dublin to nyc. Bags are extra too!.

 

[jsalt]

And for any South Africans thinking of walking the Camino Portugués this year: – Iberian Airlines currently has a fantastic deal from Johannesburg to Porto – I have just paid R5,774 for a return flight in Sep/Oct.
Jill

 

[Forestgirl]

Hi,
I love to hear of good flights from the States. Getting to Pamplona is not been an inexpensive flight from what I’ve seen. I, too, fly from the west coast of the US. Last year, I flew into London Gatwick from Oakland at an amazingly low price. I found a Norwegian Air Shuttle non stop round trip flight with travel insurance for $550, but this is early March and not during the height of travel season. Also, I did some early shopping, but it was worth it. Then from Gatwick to anywhere in Spain Flights can be found ranging from $40-80. Booked the same flight again this year. I cannot wait to be back in boots on Spain’s beautiful soil.

Buen Camino Everyone
See you in the rain!!
Jennifer

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!

 

[Forestgirl]

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.

I couldn’t agree more. I did pay to bump my fare up to Low fare Plus, which include meals and seat assignment. Its a 10.5 hour flight and I wanted a decent seat. Still it was by far the best flight at the cheapest price. I really enjoyed Norwegian Air. And actually, I am embarrassed to admit it, but they had awesome food. By far the best airplane food I’ve tasted. Not full of salt. Does that make me weird...or weirder, I mean?

 

[Forestgirl]

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!.

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.

 

[alexwalker]

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.

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.

As for food: I make my own and carry it on board, and buy a wine or 2 onboard to go with it. Then sleep the rest of the way..

Glad you liked Norwegian. About to become the world's biggest low-fare company. 200+ planes are ordered from Boeing. Prices are low bc their planes are all new, very cost-effective, but at the same time comfortable. No business/1st class. I flew Ryanair last year from SdC to Barcelona: Unprofessional crew and the chairs were a disaster area. Never again..

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I, too, took advantage of the current low airfares, snagging a good deal from Chicago to Paris non stop in June! My 4th Camino, this time on the LePuy route is now is becoming "real"!

 

[alexwalker]

I, too, took advantage of the current low airfares

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?

 

[KYBirdman]

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.

 

[alexwalker]

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.

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 Euros

 

[Camino Chrissy]

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.

You are "one lucky duck"!

 

[Momonne]

Well, airfares may be dropping but airport taxes can be ridiculous.

Tried to book a flight to Barcelona and the aiport taxes were 500$. I passed. Zurich, in comparison, was 150$.

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

I was going to leave a few links but it is best if I advise everyone to search individually. So, go to a search engine, type in, "drop in airfares." Once acquired, at least on Google, you can click at the top on News and there are a few articles as to why fares are lower and when the best times are to book.

This may only be of greatest advantage to those who do not have a schedule to stick to.

Check it out. Hope it helps.

 

[J Willhaus]

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.

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.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Tried today but fares from Montreal and Burlington, VT were not as attractive.

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.

 

[t2andreo]

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.

Just as an FYI, I just had to book r/t airfare from Florida to Washington DC for next weekend to address a family matter. The r/t airfare on AA was @ USD $280 per person. However when one added the surcharges for a decent seat, the per person fare became @ $430. Even though I am entitled to one free checked bag, this situation BITES.

It is a variation of the classic "bait and switch" sketchy sales tactic where a really nice product is advertised, but the reality turns out to be unacceptable, unless optioned up. Like this, sound familiar...?

Customer: I REALLY like this car, I think I would like to buy one...

Salesperson: Excellent. The price is X. Now, would you be wanting wheels and tires with that car...?

 

[JulieandPeter]

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.

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.

 

[Jamie Y. Mo]

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!

 

[Momonne]

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!

Have you looked into Ait Transat from TO?

 

[Jamie Y. Mo]

Have you looked into Ait Transat from TO?

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.

 

[Momonne]

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.

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.

 

[Jamie Y. Mo]

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.

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.

 

[C clearly]

For many years, I have been accustomed to paying C$1000-$1500 for a flight from Vancouver to a secondary stop in Europe (i.e. other than London, Paris, Frankfurt). In fact prices have not changed a lot in the 45+ years I've been travelling. (They certain have not doubled, whereas my income and the cost of living have multiplied many many times.)

Air Transat and any of the non-major airlines fly from Vancouver only during the busy season and they have limited choices. I prefer to fly other times of year, I like civilized departure and arrival times, and I need to get somewhere other than London, Paris or Frankfurt. So I usually find that IF a cheap airline is available, it usually has some problem and ends up saving me about $200 at most. Then, consider the additional travel in Europe, extra airport-cost food while traveling, recovery time after a 30 hour journey, possibly a taxi to/from the airport instead of public transit because of flight time, and the risk of missing a flight within Europe that is not guaranteed with the trans-Atlantic trip. Cheap fares are often a false economy.

For these reasons, I rarely bother with anything but the major airlines. I admit that I am fortunate to be able to pick my travel dates, and I can afford the very slight additional fare. (Although I don't think it is as much as you might think after you add in all the other indirect costs.)

Out of curiosity I have been closely following (i.e. almost daily) a cheap airfare alert as well as Air Canada for about 6 weeks. I'm looking at mid-week flights with a few days flexibility on both ends. I have not found any "cheap" fare for my dates. The Air Canada flights from Vancouver to Madrid have fluctuated from $1199 to $1299. Today, Expedia's cheapest flight (they are all major airlines) is C$1264

By all means, shop around and take the best fare that suits you. But don't get caught up in thinking that those fares are the norm and we are somehow entitled to them!

 

[C clearly]

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.

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!

 

[Former member 49149]

I had a quick look at Calgary to Dublin. WestJet came up, but it was taking too long to find a booking calendar page. The reason I did that is that from Dublin you can fly to Porto with Ryanair, and probably Faro and maybe Lisboa as well. And despite grumbles, Ryanair often comes in with lowest deals. One of my nieces actually came from Scotland to fly to Australia from Dublin because it was cheaper than going via London. If this is of any use, good. If not, someone else might offer another lateral thinking option... all the best.

 

[jsalt]

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

 

[C clearly]

Hi, can you get to New York cheaply?

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.

Don't get me wrong - I am not complaining. I'm just trying to explain facts.

 

[Jamie Y. Mo]

Thank you so much for all your attentions and useful information!
I love this community sincerely I'm so glad I found this community.
I have read all of your replies multiple times and I'm going to start to keep my eyes closely on those airlines and cities some of you have mentioned in your reply every week from now on and then I will come back to report back if anything comes up. Since I still have time till early May, I think it wouldn't hurt to watch and wait till my guts tell me something.
Thank you again for all your attentions. I appreciate your time and your effort.

Buen Camino to all of you!

 

[Jamie Y. Mo]

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!

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

 

[Momonne]

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

Early May is like tomorrow morning when it comes to a trans-Atlantic flight. I wouldn’t watch and hope for too long.

 

[Jamie Y. Mo]

Early May is like tomorrow morning when it comes to a trans-Atlantic flight. I wouldn’t watch and hope for too long.

I know. I am going to get tickets no later than, hopefully, mid-Feb.

 

[BoH]

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

A good alternative to OPO is Vigo (VGO), just beneath ....
Good prices around 550 CAD.
Always try "momondo.se" as yr search engine!
/ Bo

 

[Jamie Y. Mo]

A good alternative to OPO is Vigo (VGO), just beneath ....
Good prices around 550 CAD.
Always try "momondo.se" as yr search engine!
/ Bo

Thanks for your attention but it doesn't seem to be the case for May..

 

[t2andreo]

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.

If you are searching for this airport, use the correct code = YYZ for Toronto.

All other airport codes can be found at: http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/airport_code.htm

There are two databases. One provides airports by the FIRST LETTER of the airport code. The second provides the airports according to the FIRST LETTER of the city name.

So, for example, Washington, DC, returns the codes:

WAS - for all local airports
BWI - Baltimore-Washington Airport (closer to Baltimore, MD than Washington)
DCA - Washington Reagan National Airport (not international)
IAD - Washington Dulles International Airport

Hope this helps.

 

[CarolL]

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, 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...

I too booked on American Airlines, however the flight is operated by Iberia!
Even though I paid full economy fare, I am unable to book my seats until 72 hours prior to the flight! Just praying I don’t get stuck in the dreaded middle seat.

 

[t2andreo]

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 they compel me to connect at Newark, New Jersey (EWR) for nearly 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 their 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.

 

[CarolL]

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.

 

[CarolL]

Thank you for taking the time to write such a complete response to my query. You’ve made me feel a whole lot better about my flights.

 

[volleyjanice]

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!

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.

 

[Momonne]

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.
.

Have yet to see anyone refer to New Yok city as JFK or LGA.

Yes, in Canadian, TO is lingo for Toronto, as MTL is used for Montreal. International airport in TO is commonly known as Pearson, just like the one is Madrid is known as Barajas. The one is Montreal changed names some 10 years ago but still is widely known in conversation asDorval and not Trudeau, and certainly not YUL.

 

[C clearly]

I feel like prices have taken quite a jump... paid the ridiculous fares.

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.

 

[Momonne]

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.

Flew last year to Malaga for the same price I used to fly to Paris 25 years ago! Bargain I say.

 

[movinmaggie]

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!

Which airline????

 

[Veronicad1]

Which airlines?

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 $$$

 

[Magbyahe]

Just booked through Norwegian Air (website) for nonstop flights roundtrip from LAX to Madrid for mid June to mid July ($930 for lowest fare, no food, no check in baggage, and no seat choice). I need to be able to stand whenever I want to stretch my legs, so I paid $1110 to get the additional comforts.

 

[J Willhaus]

We booked from Oakland for about $1396 each round trip late June with return early August. Still cheaper than most other routes we explored. Also paid for a couple of extras. American Airlines which is the best (fastest) route for us was more than $2,000 round trip each.