Best time to book flights?

[ShannonMB]

I've been looking at flights with Southwest for our October trip, and they seem astronomically higher than in recent years. Like at least 30-40% more than we paid last year.

The question is, I don't always look this far ahead so I'm wondering if I give the rates a little time to simmer, like 3-4 months out, will they change much? I know there are no guarantees, but wanted to see if anyone in-the-know can tell me if there are any general rules of thumb.

Also, I am a little particular about the flights I want (non-stop, the right times, etc), so if I did bite the bullet and pay these prices to avoid my choices getting sold-out, is it true that Southwest will give a credit if the prices do end up going down?

Guesses, speculation, real info welcome. Thanks!!

 

[fluffykalie]

I dont get the prices for october either. from msp to mco in october the good airlines run around 400 but then in december 200. i have been watching for months on october and they have been going up this year. im thinking they will go back down at the 2-3 month mark. at least im hopeing other wise we will be driveing this year. i refuse to fly spirt or spend 400 per person on a ticket.

 

[mm1971]

I've been looking at flights with Southwest for our October trip, and they seem astronomically higher than in recent years. Like at least 30-40% more than we paid last year.

The question is, I don't always look this far ahead so I'm wondering if I give the rates a little time to simmer, like 3-4 months out, will they change much? I know there are no guarantees, but wanted to see if anyone in-the-know can tell me if there are any general rules of thumb.

Also, I am a little particular about the flights I want (non-stop, the right times, etc), so if I did bite the bullet and pay these prices to avoid my choices getting sold-out, is it true that Southwest will give a credit if the prices do end up going down?

Guesses, speculation, real info welcome. Thanks!!

Prices are higher in general the year. I am very particular about times and non stop as well. I actually booked JetBlue flights for the first time for our October trip. The cost was slightly less, but the flight schedule worked better for us.

As far as booking and getting a credit later, it's a good idea as long as you plan on traveling again int he next 12 months before the credit expires. If that is not a worry, then I would say book it now and then rebook if the price goes down. While I rebooked twice last year and save about $60 per person, I don't see the prices dropping much based on how busy they are.

Try booking and flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday if you can. Those are typically the cheapest days to fly and when the lower prices are offered. Hope you find what you are looking for.

May I suggest the Southwest CC if you fly them often. I tend to use points for our bookings so getting the "rock bottom" price is not as important. We do try to find the cheapest we can, but not having to lay out $$ does help a little.

 

[CuteAndFluffy]

I read on Lifehacker last year (May, I think, since I was planning a late September trip) that there is usually a price drop/sale between 104 to 29 days prior to your trip. I've read elsewhere that 45 days prior is the sweet spot. Personally, I found 90 days out to be around the time I will see an early sale that beats later price drops.

Best advice is to just watch prices daily so you can nab the good deals. Set up a Kayak alert to let you know when prices are trending down. Not sure if southwest has a similar service, but it would be cool if they did!

 

[ShannonMB]

Thanks for the input, everyone. I'm thinking I probably will hold off just a *bit* and see what they do, but I will likely fly Southwest next spring when we go on our cruise, so I guess there is not much risk if I will be able to rebook.

Any other thoughts are most welcome! And I'm glad I'm not the only one noticing these flights are crazy right now! I just flew to Seattle from Ohio for $100 less per person than they want for Orlando.

 

[jimandami]

Southwest does usually have their birthday day sale in June, I think, so they might go down around that time. If you do book now, just be sure you are aware that the credit expires 1 year from the original BOOKING date, not the original flight date so you would have to use it by April 2015.