Best Time to Buy Airfare?

[Mortlives]

We aren't flying south until February, but I was wondering if it is better to get airplane tickets well in advance, or wait until the last minute? What's the best pricewise? I've never really given it that much thought before, never had a date this far in advance.

TIA,
Mort.

 

[bunnyfoo]

I've noticed that Air Canada typically lowers their fares about two to three months before your departure date ... but now that they have their new fare categories, they are offering cheaper fares earlier than that. Usually what I do is to pick a price I'm willing to pay and when I find tickets at that price, I buy them.

 

[CindyAnn]

Mort - Do you live close enough to the border to fly out of the US? If so you might want to check out the great fares sometimes offered by Southwest. The disadvantage is that (for example) right now they only quote fares up to December 11th. The advantage is that even if you book a fare with them and their fare drops later, you can rebook at the lower cost (without penalty) and save the difference on account. The amount you've left on account needs to be used up at Southwest within 1 year of your booking date.

 

[Belle2002]

If you're not travelling until Feb. I would hold off on buying tickets!! I always wait for seat sales which often happen with a good amount of notice. Usually seat sales for the new year come out between oct and nov. for AC of course with West Jet flying south they have seat sales all the time, and I think you can sign up for notification on their web site.

 

[Mortlives]

Thanks everyone!

Kungaloosh!
Mort.