Airfare & Car Rental Question

[BobH]

Has anyone noticed any good time frame to use when looking for deals on airfare and car rentals? I usually watch airfares for a while to get a sense for pricing before I buy. I am of the opinion tht airfares and car rental rates increase as you get closer to your trip date. I thought I had a fairly good plan until this year when I watched airfares drop after I bought an airline ticket about 2 months ahead? I didn't expect this. I have not seen car rental rates decrease the closer I get to trip time. Is there any logic to what these companies do with their pricing or is it an entirely hit or miss proposition when you try to get a good rate?

 

[A kid at heart]

it depends, when are you looking to travel?

 

[BobH]

I was just curious if anyone has seen the crazy up and down fluctuation in ticket pricing that I noticed recently. I was wondering if people's general experience has been to see rates increase up until the date of travel, or have they seen them drop at the last minute because airlines have unfilled space that they want to sell. I realize all this will depend on the popularity if the destination - just wanted to know if anyone else noticed any general trends.