Help me decide if I should wait to buy airline tickets!

[mermaidwannabe]

My family of 5 is flying out of Bozeman, MT so flights are going to sting no matter what, but right now it's $450pp with taxes to go late May. I looked at FareCompare's historical data and last year flights went down quite a bit in March. Should I wait just one more month, or will I regret not getting them now at (shocking to believe) a pretty decent price? Ah, to have a magic ball...

 

[uva185]

Airfares tend to go on sale 2-3 months out. I think you are safe waiting until March / April. That said I don't even see the $450 fare you mention. The lowest I see for any dates is $490 + tax. So while it wouldn't hurt to wait it may not get any cheaper.

Might I suggest signing up for an airline affinity credit card that offers a companion pass. I know Delta and US Airways offer this. The offer with Delta is purchase any domestic airfare (L U or T fare class) and receive one free companion ticket. The US Airways offer is buy one ticket at $250 or more and fly up to 2 companions for $99+ tax each.

 

[mermaidwannabe]

Airfares tend to go on sale 2-3 months out. I think you are safe waiting until March / April. That said I don't even see the $450 fare you mention. The lowest I see for any dates is $490 + tax. So while it wouldn't hurt to wait it may not get any cheaper.

Might I suggest signing up for an airline affinity credit card that offers a companion pass. I know Delta and US Airways offer this. The offer with Delta is purchase any domestic airfare (L U or T fare class) and receive one free companion ticket. The US Airways offer is buy one ticket at $250 or more and fly up to 2 companions for $99+ tax each.

Well I'll definitely be looking into those cards. I was just offered one through Bank of America, but it's too late because I have to make a purchase by April 30th, then wait 6-8 weeks for the certificate.

Thanks so much for the advice about airfare. I know we can't KNOW, but I think it's worth waiting a little bit at least!

 

[Brian Noble]

Another good site for getting a sense for where fares might go:

www.farecast.com

 

[uva185]

Well I'll definitely be looking into those cards. I was just offered one through Bank of America, but it's too late because I have to make a purchase by April 30th, then wait 6-8 weeks for the certificate.

Thanks so much for the advice about airfare. I know we can't KNOW, but I think it's worth waiting a little bit at least!

US Airways Mastercard: http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/creditcards/default.html

Delta Amex: http://skymilesoffers.delta.com/credit_card_partners.php

These cards carry an annual fee but you will also receive a bunch of bonus miles with your first purchase so its worth it. The companion certificate will come with your welcome kit and you do not have to wait until you spend X amount.

 

[taitai]

Just remember that last year is a really bad data point to predict anything for this year. Be prepared to pay a lot more. I have looked at airfares to go from MSP to Bozeman and I would be thrilled to find something at $450. There just are not that many flight options and NO competition.

Good luck!

 

[mermaidwannabe]

I know, we have NOOO competition! I'll have to just maintain my every day watch.

Thanks for the credit card sites!!!!

 

[sunshinejanie]

I just got 5 tickets for $200 each through Delta. From Michigan to Florida

 

[mermaidwannabe]

I just got 5 tickets for $200 each through Delta. From Michigan to Florida

That's great! Still around $450-$500pp here from Bozeman for my dates.

 

[Ka' eo]

Might I suggest signing up for an airline affinity credit card that offers a companion pass. I know Delta and US Airways offer this. The offer with Delta is purchase any domestic airfare (L U or T fare class) and receive one free companion ticket. The US Airways offer is buy one ticket at $250 or more and fly up to 2 companions for $99+ tax each.

I know nothing about these airline affinity credit cards. This would really help our family. Heading to google. Thanks.