Help, need airfare for May trip when is the best time to purchase the tickets?

[NC State]

We are flying into Miami on May 2nd to take a DCL cruise on May 3rd. When is the best time to purchase lower priced tickets? We are looking at American since they are the only carrier with non-stops. We will be traveling with a 3 year old.

 

[FCDub]

There's unfortunately no "best time" – airline pricing constantly fluctuates, sometimes multiple times a day. And it's unpredictable.

What kind of prices are you seeing right now? Do you have a number you'd like to get below?

 

[sam_gordon]

We are flying into Miami on May 2nd to take a DCL cruise on May 3rd. When is the best time to purchase lower priced tickets? We are looking at American since they are the only carrier with non-stops. We will be traveling with a 3 year old.

I'll tell you down to the minute when to get the lowest price if you'll tell me the winning Mega Millions number in time for me to get a ticket. Deal?

Some people say 60 days out or 70 days out or whatever. IMO, the best advice is to start watching prices as soon as you know when you want to take a trip. As far out as you are, I'd look 2-3 times/week. I'd set up alerts on google flights, hipmunk, travelocity, or wherever. You'll quickly get a baseline of what's "normal". Once you see a price that's acceptable, book it. Do not look at prices again if you're going to be upset that you didn't get the cheapest flight.

 

[NC State]

Thank you for the advise, I'll start watching it closely!

 

[Jimsig]

Also look at flying into FLL. Even with having to get from FLL to POM it could be cheaper the flying into MIA.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

download an app called Hopper and have it watch the flight prices for you. It won't monitor Southwest but that won't matter if you're looking for AA.

 

[Patches Lee]

I dont know about other airlines but Delta has the fare codes noted when they display prices usually a single letter. Just Google a specific airline and "fare codes" or "fare classes". This won't give you a good time of when, but it will give you an idea if you are getting a discounted fare vs top price.

 

[Dis703]

American seems to be one that mostly just keeps going up so I'd buy as soon as the price is something you are comfortable paying.

 

[RolloTomasi]

I would just buy them when you see a price you like. Airline prices are constantly going up and down with no rhyme or reason to it. When you see one that looks reasonable, take it and don’t look back lol.