Airfare Trend Question for Those Who Travel A Lot

[bytheblood]

Airline Tickets for my vacation will become available on Friday.

I am considering purchasing them then to avoid the typical oil increase that comes with the Spring and Summer months. Also, to make sure I get the seats I want since my sister will be flying for the first time and is literally scared about flying.

It was suggested to me by a co-worker that if I do not purchase tickets on the 19th of January and wait until late February, March or even April that the airfare will be almost $100 - $150 less than if I pay $300 for them on Friday morning.

For those who travel often, I would like your input on what trends you have seen.

in advance!!!

 

[Jestocost]

It would be very helpful to know where you are flying from, since a number of the factors you need to consider will be dependent on service from your specific airport. If, for example, there are very few flights to MCO or to a hub that services MCO, then you might want to book far in advance to ensure that they won't be sold out. If you have lots of options from your origination point, that's not likely to be an issue.

Most of the legacy carriers (American, Delta, United, etc.) seem to have a first wave of fare sales on select routes about 5 months out. Then they may or may not have additional sales, up to and including last-minute fares. If your airport also is served by Southwest or another discount carrier that flies to MCO, then fares on all airlines likely will drop when the discounters come out with their rates, which usually is 5-6 months in advance.

In general, you PROBABLY will be able to get a better price AT SOME POINT during the time between when tickets become available and when you need to fly. There's no guarantee that they won't go up during that time however. It's really a guessing game and, once again, people who know how fares tend to be from your location will best be able to tell you what their experience has been.

 

[bytheblood]

I am flying AA from DFW to MCO, roundtrip, no stops.

Carrier is not flexible, nor is the number of stops.

 

[aubriee]

I am flying AA from DFW to MCO, roundtrip, no stops.

Carrier is not flexible, nor is the number of stops.

I fly out of DFW also and if flying AA I usually try to wait until about 45 days out. I have a cousin who used to work for AA and she tells me to try to buy between 45 and 30 days out. Airtran also flies nonstop out of DFW and usually has better fares (or at least the same) as AA. I have nonstop flights on Airtran for May 5th and 13th and paid $193.10 for them, which as you know is good for out of DFW. I'm still waiting to buy my tickets for my Sept trip. I'll usually jump on anything below $220.90. The cheapest I've ever gotten to MCO out of DFW is Sept '05 ($173.00). Just check everyday.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

I am flying AA from DFW to MCO, roundtrip, no stops.

Carrier is not flexible, nor is the number of stops.

Excellent carrier choice! If you are flying this fall, your fares will be their lowest typically 3 months ahead. If the fare comes out Friday and is under $200, go ahead and book. If not, you have plenty of time to fare-watch. Your afternoon/evening fares eastbound will be less than your morning fares. By way of contrast, your early morning flights westbound will be lower than more convenient flight times. Buying earlier will give you some fare parity there, but the schedules I mentioned will give you your lowest fares as your travel date nears.

 

[bavaria]

Frankly, I've never supported the theory to buy 51 weeks out. (I can't imagine planning that far ahead, but I know that others do) I buy my tickets for work and vacation no more than 0-10 days before the flight, but I realize that I am the exception here.

Airfares fluctuate throughout the year; sometimes sale fares are a good discount, sometimes not. I would use a farewatcher site like www.travelocity.com. I also agree with the 'under $200 is a good price' comment.

I would wait and watch until you find a price that you find acceptable, and book.

Remember too that seat assignments are not guaranteed until you board (or sometimes not even then!) so if seating is a concern, keep an eye on it.

 

[Jestocost]

Frankly, I've never supported the theory to buy 51 weeks out. (I can't imagine planning that far ahead, but I know that others do).

The only time I've done the 330 days is when I've wanted to book using frequent flyer miles. In that case, cost is no object but availability is critical. Other than that circumstance or those where you have limited options or absolutely have to fly on a particular flight, I completely agree that there is no reason to buy that far in advance.

With the OP flying out of DFW to MCO, there are numerous flights and plenty of options, so waiting is clearly the best choice barring any other considerations that haven't been stated.

 

[bavaria]

The only time I've done the 330 days is when I've wanted to book using frequent flyer miles. In that case, cost is no object but availability is critical. Other than that circumstance or those where you have limited options or absolutely have to fly on a particular flight, I completely agree that there is no reason to buy that far in advance.

.

I even book my using my FF miles at less than 14 days out; that obviously won't work for those who are not flexible or need multiple tickets.

Last summer I booked a first class ticket back home to MUC on LH at 3 days out, during World Cup

 

[salmoneous]

Been a frequent flyer for 15 years and have never figured out a pattern based on timing. As soon as you think you know something, the airlines change.

To me, the key is knowing what prices generally go for on a route. On my most common trip, I'll always book if the price gets under $250. If the price is between $250-300, I'll go ahead and book if it is close to the time of the trip, or if I absolutely 100% need that flight. If it's between $300-400, I'll hold out until 22 days ahead of time, then just bite the bullet. For other flights, the prices may vary. Orlando is usually cheaper, so I'll follow the same basic plan, but use price ranges $50 cheaper.