Booking airfare - How far in advance?

[mommykds]

How far out can you book airfare (say on Song or Jet blue?) Is it cheaper to book the flight as soon as it comes out? Thanks all!

 

[beccasmom]

With many airlines you can book as soon as your trip dates are settled. However, it pays to wait sometimes because fare wars do crop up from time to time. If SW is in your region, competitors may match their fares if they go down. For a trip in the near future - 3-4 months - I would probably be trying to nail an airfare down. Especially during busy seasons - holidays, spring break, etc. - fares are often high and seats are hard to come by. SW only books their flights a few months ahead of time; I am not sure about Song or JetBlue; they don't fly from Philly. It is good to have an idea of what you consider a reasonable fare and jump on it when it is published. Checking everyday online is not overkill....good fares go fast and do not last long!

 

[dvc guy]

It really depends on when you travel. If you are looking to go over Christmas, Presidents week, Easter break you need to watch the fares at the 331 day mark and be prepared to jump on good prices.
Example I was able to get 59 fares from LGA/MCO on 12/23 on SONG. I have no clue why they would sell a seat so cheap during Christmas, but I was hitting the purchase button as fast I my fingers would type. The same seat is now 299.

 

[mommykds]

It really depends on when you travel. If you are looking to go over Christmas, Presidents week, Easter break you need to watch the fares at the 331 day mark and be prepared to jump on good prices.
Example I was able to get 59 fares from LGA/MCO on 12/23 on SONG. I have no clue why they would sell a seat so cheap during Christmas, but I was hitting the purchase button as fast I my fingers would type. The same seat is now 299.

I am looking for August 2006. By the way, when did you book that rate? How many months/ weeks out? That's a great fare!

 

[dvc guy]

I would guess at the 331 or 330 days out. We travel ever Christmas abd have never seen a price like that. I would have jumped on 129 at that time of year. I think for Aug you can do a little shopping, but don't try to squeeze every dime out. Look at the rates for this year, and when the time comes if the price looks right and the flight times are good take the plunge. Buy a ticket is like playing poker, you never know when they are bluffing

 

[mommykds]

Buy a ticket is like playing poker, you never know when they are bluffing

Ah, very well said!