I understand the whole cart-before-the-horse sentiment, but unfortunately travel plans are not made or broken with the same ease as a Cubs season.  Therefore I have already begun looking at airline flights into Chicago for the October 25-27th weekend.  Being a college student (poverty implied), I'm rather afraid of exorbitant airline prices if I wait into the playoffs, especially if waiting until the NLCS is clinched.  However, as a Cubs fan, I'm more terrified of not being able to experience a possible World Series appearance firsthand.  A round-trip ticket to Chicago is only $140.00 as of right now, which is well inside my budget.

Question1:  Are any other out-of-towners planning on visiting Chicago in the playoffs, and assuming there are, what might your plans be?

Question 2:  Will airline prices be affected by the Cubs reaching a WS?  I realize buying an airline ticket will naturally cost more the closer to one's desired date, but will it cost even more due to the attraction?

Question 3:  Is it worth the gamble to invest in travel accomodations when one bad series or streak could end it all?

Not only am I worried about pricing, but in order to miss Thursday, Friday, and possibly Monday classes, I must schedule an exam to be taken earlier and also complete a couple assignments ahead of time.  So I'd be quite stuck if I delayed for too long on my plans.

Input? Advice? FanPost Police? Theriot sucks/doesn't suck?