Crazy airfare to Barcelona!

[joyus]

I've been watching airfare from Mia to Barcelona for a few months now. Our plan is to fly in on 9/11/14 to enjoy Barcelona for a few days before our cruise scheduled for 9/14/14. The fare has been running between $1150 - $1500. I decided to check late last night (11:45pm) and Praise the Lord, the round-trip fare was $691.00 for the flight times that we wanted! I started to purchase them but thought best of it only because we do not begin choosing vacation for 2014 until January. I told my husband abt the fare this morning and he told me I should have booked it anyway. Well, I went back to Delta's website and the fare had gone down again to $632.60 r/t! Of course, I booked it. I checked again around 1:00pm today and the fare was back up to $1200.

I'm so thankful to God!

[voyager89]

I've been watching airfare from Mia to Barcelona for a few months now. Our plan is to fly in on 9/11/14 to enjoy Barcelona for a few days before our cruise scheduled for 9/14/14. The fare has been running between $1150 - $1500. I decided to check late last night (11:45pm) and Praise the Lord, the round-trip fare was $691.00 for the flight times that we wanted! I started to purchase them but thought best of it only because we do not begin choosing vacation for 2014 until January. I told my husband abt the fare this morning and he told me I should have booked it anyway. Well, I went back to Delta's website and the fare had gone down again to $632.60 r/t! Of course, I booked it. I checked again around 1:00pm today and the fare was back up to $1200.

I'm so thankful to God!

 

Wow you are so lucky you got that great deal!!

 

I just booked the Epic out of Barcelona for October. I have no idea how are we going to pay that vacation LOL. The cruise fare was crazy, Barcelona Miami, 14 nights for 1200. Thats what we paid for a week on the Jewel of the Seas! So i couldnt pass on that. I know its still kind of far but airfare is crazy. PLUS I live in Mexico City so flying anywhere from here its pretty expensive. Our best deal so far would be to fly Mexico City to Cancun which will be if we find a good deal 300 dlls maybe less, take a flight Cancun Amsterdam and then another flight to Barcelona :eek:

 

Not sure if I want to do that... I hope I can find a good deal. seems like it is more expensive to buy single tickets than round ones. We will then spend some days in Miami and come back to Mexico City

Edited November 21, 2013 by voyager89

[Smiles3usa]

What a great deal! Timing is everything.

[brazilgirl]

Very pleased for you...so nice to get a great deal!

[joyus]

I also read where someone suggested checking fares on Tuesday evenings. They said that you may be able to find good fares then. I suggest Tuesdays late night or early morning. If anyone tries this, please keep us posted.

[FlyerTalker]

I also read where someone suggested checking fares on Tuesday evenings. They said that you may be able to find good fares then. I suggest Tuesdays late night or early morning. If anyone tries this, please keep us posted.

"They" and "someone" give a lot of anecdotal, urban legend advice.

 

If there really WAS as special time, would anyone buy at any other time of the week? And wouldn't that end up negating the "special time"?

 

LONG LONG AGO, there were short-term fares that needed to be booked by Saturday night. And they had a 3 day window to then pay for the tickets (yes, that long ago). So, a number of those reservations would be unpaid for by Tuesday and returned to inventory. Thus, at one time, there may have been a bit of validity. However, since that form of 3 day hold is long gone, the resultant "Tuesday availability" is no more. Yet the legend lives on.

[waterbug123]

I also read where someone suggested checking fares on Tuesday evenings. They said that you may be able to find good fares then. I suggest Tuesdays late night or early morning. If anyone tries this, please keep us posted.

 

Correct. And you MAY be able to find good fares on Sunday morning so check then. And also Thursday early evening, so check then. And Friday in the middle of the night, Monday at lunch time, and the 1st Wednesday after the full moon at precisely 9:26am. :D

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

That is a great price...

[4774Papa]

I've been watching airfare from Mia to Barcelona for a few months now. Our plan is to fly in on 9/11/14 to enjoy Barcelona for a few days before our cruise scheduled for 9/14/14. The fare has been running between $1150 - $1500. I decided to check late last night (11:45pm) and Praise the Lord, the round-trip fare was $691.00 for the flight times that we wanted! I started to purchase them but thought best of it only because we do not begin choosing vacation for 2014 until January. I told my husband abt the fare this morning and he told me I should have booked it anyway. Well, I went back to Delta's website and the fare had gone down again to $632.60 r/t! Of course, I booked it. I checked again around 1:00pm today and the fare was back up to $1200.

I'm so thankful to God!

That is a great fare. We have spent about $1200 pp on our past trips to Barcelona.

[voyager70]

That's awesome, great job!

[Ed]

Hi Joyus

 

How many stops are you making on your flight from MIA to BCN on Delta to get this rate? Where are you flying through and how many hours is you total trip?

 

Thanks

[travelplus]

I've been watching airfare from Mia to Barcelona for a few months now. Our plan is to fly in on 9/11/14 to enjoy Barcelona for a few days before our cruise scheduled for 9/14/14. The fare has been running between $1150 - $1500. I decided to check late last night (11:45pm) and Praise the Lord, the round-trip fare was $691.00 for the flight times that we wanted! I started to purchase them but thought best of it only because we do not begin choosing vacation for 2014 until January. I told my husband abt the fare this morning and he told me I should have booked it anyway. Well, I went back to Delta's website and the fare had gone down again to $632.60 r/t! Of course, I booked it. I checked again around 1:00pm today and the fare was back up to $1200.

I'm so thankful to God!

 

Hey Joyus I know exactly how you feel. My Father and I are taking a cruise from Sao Paulo(Santos)- Barcelona in April 2014. I went online to look up one way arifares and they were going for $900-$1, 300 and the times were ok but going via JFK or MIA.

 

So I went onto a Wholesale Flight Website and I knew the restrictions and about the tickets being non refundable at the outset and found an airfare for $474 on AeroMexico with an almost 13 hour layover in Mexico City with time to tour the Historical District of Mexico City and then TAM to Sao Paulo.

 

When I found this airfare I called my Father and he said book it because I knew we couldn't find a cheaper airfare and now the airfare has gone up.

 

I then was able to use United Miles for myself on Lufthnasa Barcelona-San Francisco via Munich and Vancouver(United back to San Franisco)

 

I then was able to book my Father via Vyama to visit family in Israel and back a week later for $1,150 with the airfare being more expensive on other websites.

 

BTW see if you can go on Hotwire and get a 4 Star Hotel in the L'Example District. I got one for $89 per night+$55 in recovery fees/taxes at the Amister Art Hotel a 4 Star Boutique Hotel. Its a 10-15 minute walk from Sants Train Station and close to Passig De Gracia , Guell Park, Segrada Famillia and its on a quiet street than being on Las Ramblas. If you can get a 4 Star in this area for $89 I would book it.

 

Also there is an Air Bus from The Airport to Plaza D Espanya(sp_ for 6 Euros Per Person that can take you to and from the airport.

 

Also I highly recommend you take the Royal Monteserrat Tour with City or Airport Transfer depending on the time of your flight or if your returning to Barcelona for a night or two after the cruise (which I suggest). It runs about $50 per person.

 

Good luck and enjoy Barcelona. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

[joyus]

Hi Joyus

 

How many stops are you making on your flight from MIA to BCN on Delta to get this rate? Where are you flying through and how many hours is you total trip?

 

Thanks

 

Hi Ed,

Our outbound is MIA-JFK (2 hr 4min layover) JFK-BCN/ return BCN-JFK (2 hr 44min layover) JFK-MIA.

[joyus]

Total is outbnd 12 hrs. 40m/ return 15 hrs. 5m

[joyus]

Hey Joyus I know exactly how you feel. My Father and I are taking a cruise from Sao Paulo(Santos)- Barcelona in April 2014. I went online to look up one way arifares and they were going for $900-$1, 300 and the times were ok but going via JFK or MIA.

 

So I went onto a Wholesale Flight Website and I knew the restrictions and about the tickets being non refundable at the outset and found an airfare for $474 on AeroMexico with an almost 13 hour layover in Mexico City with time to tour the Historical District of Mexico City and then TAM to Sao Paulo.

 

When I found this airfare I called my Father and he said book it because I knew we couldn't find a cheaper airfare and now the airfare has gone up.

 

I then was able to use United Miles for myself on Lufthnasa Barcelona-San Francisco via Munich and Vancouver(United back to San Franisco)

 

I then was able to book my Father via Vyama to visit family in Israel and back a week later for $1,150 with the airfare being more expensive on other websites.

 

BTW see if you can go on Hotwire and get a 4 Star Hotel in the L'Example District. I got one for $89 per night+$55 in recovery fees/taxes at the Amister Art Hotel a 4 Star Boutique Hotel. Its a 10-15 minute walk from Sants Train Station and close to Passig De Gracia , Guell Park, Segrada Famillia and its on a quiet street than being on Las Ramblas. If you can get a 4 Star in this area for $89 I would book it.

 

Also there is an Air Bus from The Airport to Plaza D Espanya(sp_ for 6 Euros Per Person that can take you to and from the airport.

 

Also I highly recommend you take the Royal Monteserrat Tour with City or Airport Transfer depending on the time of your flight or if your returning to Barcelona for a night or two after the cruise (which I suggest). It runs about $50 per person.

 

Good luck and enjoy Barcelona. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

 

Wow, thank you for your post. You answered the questions I've been researching today.

Because this is our first trip to Europe, I'm a little out of my comfort zone so I'm starting really early cramming in as much info I can find to assure we're savvy tourist & get in as much as possible on this trip.

We're getting in 2 days in Barcelona before the cruise.

[travelplus]

Wow, thank you for your post. You answered the questions I've been researching today.

Because this is our first trip to Europe, I'm a little out of my comfort zone so I'm starting really early cramming in as much info I can find to assure we're savvy tourist & get in as much as possible on this trip.

We're getting in 2 days in Barcelona before the cruise.

 

Hey Joyus Glad I could help you. BTW what hotel did you chose in Barcelona and how much are you paying per night. What airfare did you get(what price did you decide on?

 

I highly recommend you purchase Rick Steve's Barcelona City Guide as he gives some inexpensive restaurants Tapas Bars, Walking and Museum Tours. The $20 that you spend on this book will save you lots especially for your 2 days of precious touring time.

 

I would suggest you take the Air Bus to Plaza D Espanya for about 6 Euros per person be sure you have proper change. BTW If you have Bank of America you can order currency using your online banking and if you order under $1,000 they charge $7 for 2 or 3 day shipping over $1,000 the shipping fee is waived and you can mix and match currencies.

 

Also be sure to see with your Debit Card company where you can withdraw your Euros without paying a lot of fees.

 

Be sure to enroll in a Credit Card program that waives the Foreign Exchange Fee.

 

Remember in Barcelona they eat dinner around 8 or 9 PM so eat a good lunch around 11 and a snack or coffee around 3 to hold you over.

 

Be sure to get a good map of the City and even go on the Hop On Hop Off Bus or get a 2 Day Public Transit Pass. It may be worth it to sign up for a tour to see the famous museums.

 

If you can do the Royal Caribbean sponsored tour to Monteserrat from the City to Monteserrat and then to the ship take it. It's worth it for $50 its a good deal as you don't have to pay for entrance fees or train to Monteserrat.

 

Hope you have a great trip. Oh and if you are not going to Monteserrat what I would do is if you are packing light(One suitcase and one carryon) take the Metro or bus to the nearest stop closest to the pier. Taxis are good but can run you more money then you want to spend.

 

I would use a Taxi to and from Las Ramblas at night than one to and from the port. Also be sure to arrive at the port as early as possible. Most likely they begin boarding at 11:00 or 11:30 or so.

 

If your hotel charges for breakfast skip it and go to a local bakery or to the La Boqueira(Indoor Farmers Market in Las Ramblas) and assemble a picnic or go to the back of the market and enjoy food at one of the restaurant or food stalls depending on the weather.

 

For Wine ask for the Vinho de Casa(House Wine) or you can purchase wine from a supermarket a good bottle goes for 3-5 Euros and remember you are allowed to take 2 bottles in your Stateroom so buy it before you board the ship.

 

To find a good restaurant look for locals sitting outside speaking Spanish and if you see the menu in Spanish you know its a great place. I like to eat at places by a Church Square or on a back street. Be daring and try things you never thought you would try.

 

At a Tapa Bar they most likely will count the toothpicks so you know your bill. Be sure the prices fit your needs and look at the menu before consuming.

 

I love the local cheeses , Olives, Breads Meats and enjoy assembling picnics.

 

If you want to meet locals go to the Barcelona University you can eat in their cafeteria or MENSA. You first purchase a card and load it with enough Euros like a gift card and then point to what you like and then pay the cashier with the card. The MENSA is where workers and students go but tourists are welcome. I have ate some great hot food at a MENSA and spoke with the locals who are eager to learn English and will teach you Spanish too.

 

The Gruell Park is a great place for a picnic where Antoni Gaudi designed the architecture. You can combine it with a visit to Segrada Familla and Montjuic Castle.

 

If I can offer you any more assistance please feel free to ask.

 

Since it's your first time in Europe don't worry if you can't do everything as Rick Steve's say plan to return. He also has free episodes on Hulu(You can enter Barcelona Rick Steves and watch his program on Barcelona and surrounding areas) too.

 

Rick Steve's has taught me to go outside of my comfort zone.

 

My Parents Brother and I took a 3 month trip around Europe when we were younger. We spent 6 weeks in the Costa Del Sol Malaga area and toured Granada(The Alhambra) Pileta Caves in Ronda. We then spent a week in Seville and went to Cordoba. We also went to Gibraltar as well. Then we spent a week in Avignon/Arles France, 1 week in London, 1 week in Paris and a Month in Israel.

 

The next year we spent 1 week in Paris and 2 weeks in Switzerland.

 

My Mother was studying Flamenco and up until recently taught it to college students. I hope to see Flamenco shows in Barcelona when I go.

 

I am taking the Speldnour Of the Seas from Santos(Sao Paulo Brazil to Barcelona with my Father) with stops in Rio, Salvador De Bahia, Teneriefe Canary Islands and Malaga. Two years ago we were on a cruise that stopped in Gibraltar and this brought back the good memories of our time spent in Europe. Last year I went with my Father from New Orleans to Rome and enjoyed it very much.

 

I can't wait to go back to Malaga to bring back the good memories of our trip we had as a youth.

 

Two years ago I did not stay in Barcelona due to time constraints but this year I have 5 days planned with my Father to tour Barcelona and surrounding areas.

Edited December 2, 2013 by travelplus

[joyus]

Hi Travelplus,

 

Sorry its taking me so long to reply. I plan to paste & copy your post in my Vacation Planner so to be sure to have your suggestions at my finger tips as I'm planning.

 

We've not gotten a hotel as of yet, however, I'm leaning towards the Barcino 147. We don't want to be in Las Ramblas but somewhere nearby, so this seems like a good choice and reasonably prices with very good reviews on Tripadvisor.

 

Just got a credit card with our credit union that includes no foreign exchange fees. Also, got maps from AAA for Spain and areas where we will be cruising. Will do the HOHO bus as you recommend on our first day to get a feel for the place.

 

I'm studying Spanish using "Rosetta Stone" just so to have a few words under my belt (although I work in Miami, my Spanish is very rusty :-) also, I understand the spanish dialect of Cubans is different from those in Spain).

 

I hope you enjoy your trip with your father...sounds like you guys are traveling buddies. I took my mom on a cruise several years ago to Mexico out of San Diego and she loved every minute of it, including winning a jackpot in ships casino! She talked about how much she until that cruise with anyone who would listen until she passed away.

 

If you think of anything else I should know, please post it. In the meantime, I think I'll search for other posts of yours on the board.

[ABYUFAN]

They have just came out and will be starting CLT, N.C. to BCN Spain. They might come out with some cheapie to get started. Always check with http://www.airfarewatchdog.com They don't sell airfare, just tell you where the cheapest can be found

[Grumpy100]

We just got back from Barcelona a month ago and we used US Air. We went from PBI (West Palm Beach, FL) to Philadelphia with a two hr. layover and then straight onto Barcelona. It was a lovely flight.

Then on the way back same. It worked out very well for us. I would use them again.

[travelplus]

Hey Joyus

 

Glad I can be of help to you. And yes please feel free to copy any of my tips in your Vacation Planner.

 

Yes, my Father and I are great traveling buddies. We love seeing the world together.

 

 

Before booking the Barcino 147 go onto Hotwire and look for a 4 star hotel in Passig D'Gracia/L'Example more than likely you will end up with the Amister Art Hotel which has a private bathroom and is very nice. You can Google Amister Art Hotel. It normally goes for about $200 a night.

 

 

You are a 10 minute walk to Sants Train Station and literally in the L'Example district.

 

Hope your planning is coming along well and that you will have a Happy Holiday season.

 

I can't believe we have just about 4 months to go(:. Time really goes by quickly. I still am working on planning our day in Mexico City during our layover and Sao Paulo. Still lots to do before April.