Book now or gamble?

[bnf2]

We don't fly often and haven't flown since our last trip to the World in '07 and of course 4 years ago flights were cheaper than what I'm finding today (hard not to compare though). Would love to fly, but are considering driving (from Cincinnati area ). Found flights on Airtrain out of Indy (2hr drive) for $909.60 for 4 of us. Pull the trigger or see if fares come down closer to our trip (10/8)? I keep thinking if the flights don't fill up in the next week or so fares may come down... crazy?

 

[BuzzLiteyear]

I wish I had concrete advice here. I can only tell you my experience. In most cases I have found that when I wait the prices go up. My new mantra is to purchase when I find a price that works for me. A few times they've gone down, but usually they went up.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Airlines make their money off of last minute travelers I would not wait more then 21 days prior to the trip. At that point you will probably only see price increases.

 

[Anal Annie]

I just wrestled today about buying our tix for spring break. The next SW schedule opens on Monday but I found a good deal thru Airfarewatchdog.com today to flyl on Jet Blue. Honestly at this point I think you may be past the lower fares. I usually find them best right after the schedules are released - you are getting pretty close to October now. I used to be able to find round trip air for around $120-$140 pp but I haven't seen that in probably close to 3 years. The deal I found today was $209 pp with taxes during spring break dates so I decided SW wasn't likely to beat it on Monday (or not by THAT much) so I just did it. Better safe than sorry. If that $909 amount includes taxes I'd guess that's a pretty average fare. Driving will add a day to either end of your trip. Are you up for that??

 

[bnf2]

The 909 was everything- so I think I better do it. Glad we got FD

 

[BuzzLiteyear]

The 909 was everything- so I think I better do it. Glad we got FD

Have a great time

 

[Cin]

I had the same dilemma. I've watched the rates go up and come down like a yo-yo. I saw a little decrease in rates ($60 less) but nothing like what I paid last year at this same time. What I did see happen by waiting (and my trip is still over 4 months away) was that I couldn't book a flight to connect with others in my travel party. If I bought sooner there were connecting flights and seats available, but since I waited I couldn't get one and in the end we changed our travel dates since arriving together is necessary since everything is in my name. That required another night in a hotel that I hadn't counted on and another day's worth of meals, so it is going to cost more because I waited. But hey I get another day on vacay so it will all work out.