Airfare Timing

[nutshell]

I saw a travel expert on the Today show this morning talk about buying airfare. She said the "sweet spot" for purchasing is 24 days to 2 months before the actual travel and that the best days to purchase are on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Can anyone confirm this? I haven't purchased airfare for an August trip yet and I'm willing to wait until this suppoesd "sweet spot," but I don't want to get burned if it turns out I have to pay more than now.

 

[dalepool]

I have found on Alaska Airlines that He who books early gets the best buy. Seems that a few of the airlines have gone with this approach. There are times that Alaska does have internet sells but even with those I would maybe save only 10 dollars or so. Take a look at Alaska airs web page to see what I am talking about. It will have all fares offered on your dates with prices. If you are flexable that helps also. You are able hold a booking for 24 hours so I would check back everyday to see if a booking held had been released. One other bit of info is Say you are traveling with 4 ppl do your checking for only one person, they may have 3 flights available for the lower price but if you book the 4th you will be charged highest price for all 4 not 3 and 1. In the past Airlines would release extra seats on tues and wed. Happy planning.

 

[Leofoenget]

I saw a travel expert on the Today show this morning talk about buying airfare. She said the "sweet spot" for purchasing is 24 days to 2 months before the actual travel and that the best days to purchase are on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Can anyone confirm this? I haven't purchased airfare for an August trip yet and I'm willing to wait until this suppoesd "sweet spot," but I don't want to get burned if it turns out I have to pay more than now.

Well, I say it depends. When we went to Kansas City, for Thanksgiving, when I saw about $400 round trip per person I snapped it up. It only went UP from there. Had I waited I SERIOUSLY DOUBT I could have gotten it any cheaper especially during the holidays.

However, when I make my trips from San Jose to Anaheim, the airlines always run specials. Last year I was going to drive, but Southwest ran a fall special for $49 one way about 2 months before my trip. I am going the same time this Sept, and so far, the cheapest is about $70, but I'm sure it will go down. I say it depends on how far you are traveling. Keep an eye on the prices.

 

[Denton]

If you find a deal now, I would lock in the price before the airlines start raising their "fuel surcharges".