Hello SailingWaldo..... I use to think it was some type of travel conspiracy so the world could control where and when we went places.... However over the years I've learned better, it turns out it is supply in demand (boring huh?)...... When living in California I did find during the summer months it was less expensive to travel to Europe and was told it is all about the students schedule ...... And then in the Fall/Winter months and spring break flights to the Bahamas and the southern Americas were less (of course if you book far enough in advance). .... We have not left the island in years, however I check often to try to get deals for friends & family..... If you are considering flying this way from California check in with United out of Sacramento or Southwest out of LA...... They were both always less than flying out of SFO..... Good Luck....