Buy tickets now or later?

[georgiapeach60]

I was just reading in todays paper that some of the large carriers are now discontinuing meal service and internet discount. I have been watching the airlines for months now for our Feb 1-7 trip and really haven't found anything below 294 round trip. My SIL wants to leave from Austin and not from Dallas. Should I just go ahead and buy them. With the lay offs of staff and the reduction in routes I'm just not sure whether to get a hold of something now instead of waiting. Any advice?