How do you know when to book flights?

[minniecarousel]

We're going in early February and I saw a great fare through Travelocity. It's nonrefundable $300 RT from Oakland to Orlando. That's cheaper than anything I've seen so far. It just seems too early to book the flight, but that price is good. Non-refundable? - if you end up changing plans, how easy is it to change the flights?

When do you seasoned travelers book your flights? We don't go to Orlando very often, as it's a long day of travel from the West Coast.

 

[MBELSANTI]

We're going in early February and I saw a great fare through Travelocity. It's nonrefundable $300 RT from Oakland to Orlando. That's cheaper than anything I've seen so far. It just seems too early to book the flight, but that price is good. Non-refundable? - if you end up changing plans, how easy is it to change the flights?

When do you seasoned travelers book your flights? We don't go to Orlando very often, as it's a long day of travel from the West Coast.

I always book early! I booked my August trip in January and I am looking to book my Feb. trip now too. I tried to book my August 08 trip now, but not all of the dates are coming up. If you get what looks to be a good rate, go for it. With the way the gas prices have been this past year or so, seems the rates just keep going up.

 

[rtjcbrown]

I say once you find a fare that is acceptable, book it. Some airlines are good about crediting you if the price drops. It is a lot worse if you wait and the price only goes up.

 

[pamjb]

If you are happy with the $300 RT, than I would book it. The refund policy depends on the airline. I book all of my flights from PHL to MCO thru SW. I usually book as soon as the fare schedule opens up, so I have my tickets. If a better fare (or Ding!) comes out, I can rebook my tickets and have credit for a future flight. Of course, this is only a viable option if you fly a lot, or know someone who can use the ticketless travel funds. SW doesn't charge a fee to change a ticket if plans change. And the ticketless travel funds (or credit) that you are issued, can be used by anyone.
I did check for fares from Oakland to MCO thru SW. They do have a $129 oneway, but I used the datesof 2/1-2/8. I also checked sidestep.com and they list a roundtrip fare of $295 with Continental. If you are willing to fly from Sacramento, the fare drops to $239

 

[seashoreCM]

For peak travel times such as Thanksgiving or Spring Break, book immediately.

Otherwise survey the fares over the course of a year. If you see a fare at the bottom of the range, then book. No urge to buy early.

Most airlines nowadays don't simply price-match with a voucher or refund. Many will charge you their usual change fee which usually wipes out any saving you might get by trying to switch to a lower fare.

Disney hints: http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm