Group Airfare rates to Cabo?

[homegrn14]

We are getting married in February in Cabo (at the Hilton Los Cabos) and expecting about 20-30 guests.  I'd like to offer options for affordable airfare to my guests, but I'm not sure if there is an easy way to do this?  Any suggestions?  We are fortunate enough to have two major airports very close (O'Hare & Midway) allowing us to utilize any airline, but I'm at a total loss as to where to start planning the flight(s) and I'm running out of time.  Can anyone offer some good advice?  Thanks! 

[xtenna]

Hi homegrn14,

 

Most airlines provide group rates with out the use of Travel Agents.  I am flying Alaska because they fly Non-Stop from SFO.  Contcact the airline, phone/email, and let them know you are having a large/wedding group traveling to a certain destination.  Usually they will accomodate you even if your group is traveling from different airports, different days/times   The best thing to do is decide who you are going to fly...check out baggage rates, flight times, carry-on (did you ship your dress/will you be carring it on)...contact them and arrange group travel, let your group know to take advantage of the discount, your guests might not want to be on the same flight bc of boarding time, other reasons.  This lets them fly your carrier and still get the discount and you don't have to worry about getting everyone on the same flight Good luck, I hope that made some sense...I'm just about to have my morning coffee

[homegrn14]

xtenna,

 

Thank you so much for your response!!  And it made lots of sense, even before your morning coffee. 

I am definitely going to reach out to the airlines (american flies non-stop from ORD) and discuss with them group rates.  I hadn't really considered the airlines themselves as I was previously relying on travel agents alone.  But the TAs do charge a premium on airfare as they have to make $ somewhow, so I can definitely see why the airline would be a better option. 

 

I plan on carrying on my wedding dress as I could only imagine my luck shipping it... so it's necessity to contact the airline to discuss "reserving" room in the 1st class coat closets anyway.  A great time to discuss the group rates.

 

Thank you again - I appreciate your help!

[mpeter81]

Hi Homegrn14,

 

Were the airlines accommodating w/ a group rate?  I too live in Chicago and I'm getting married at Dreams in Cabo in Oct 2011.  I was considering the same thing - to look into doing a group flight w/ an airline for my ~90 guests.  As far as I can tell, it's really American that does direct, non-stop flights from Chicago and it usually departs Chicago around 8AM.  If booking early enough, I know you can get direct, non-stop airfare for around $460 pp.  Were any of the airlines able to get you a better rate? 

 

Hope wedding planning is going well!   : )

 

Michelle

 

 

[homegrn14]

Hi Michelle,

 

First of congrats on your engagement and upcoming nuptials in Cabo!

 

As for group rates, American was the only one who could help with what I was looking for.  All my guests are most likely going to be on separate flights so with that restriction, American offered 5% off the lowest published fares if at least ten tickets were purchased from them directly.  Not a significant discount but a discount nonetheless.  I have noticed you can get bigger discounts on United/Frontier if you all travel on the same flight (wasn't a logical option for my group plus they don't offer non-stop flights).  You have a lot more people traveling than I do so maybe that would be a better option for you.  The only disadvantage for the same flight option is you are required to sign a contract and if you fail to meet the requirements, it can then get expensive for you and your guests.  My best advice is to just make phone calls.  Many times the airlines are flexible to individual situations and can provide services they don't typically list on their websites. 

 

Best of luck and let me know if you come across any fantastic deals!

 

Kristen

[mpeter81]

Thanks for the 4-1-1, Kristen!  Maybe I'll get my mother-in-law on the horn w/ American and see what kinda of deal she can workout.  She's a little firecracker.  ; )

 

If I get any good info, I'll keep you posted!

[BandP2011]

Alaska/Horizon offers a 7% discount. Contact their group travel department!