How far out do you book your plane ticket?

[airjay75]

I book primarily with American Airlines miles, so as long as I have the miles and know my dates, I go ahead and book my flights. I have flights booked out as far as June next year. I book each leg as a one-way trip and then will occasionally check to see if the miles redemption is any better and, if so, cancel and re-book with the lower miles redemption.

Depending on the airline and the fare class you book with, you could probably use a similar strategy with cash bookings, but you can get into a bit trickier area with flight/trip credits and expiration dates. And, if there are any cancellation fees, then it probably wouldn't work.

 

[Girlstar30]

I always put my dates into the Hopper app, they will track the flights and let you know when prices are going down or trending up.

Thanks for this! I downloaded the app and their advice was to wait!

 

[Girlstar30]

I book primarily with American Airlines miles, so as long as I have the miles and know my dates, I go ahead and book my flights. I have flights booked out as far as June next year. I book each leg as a one-way trip and then will occasionally check to see if the miles redemption is any better and, if so, cancel and re-book with the lower miles redemption.

Depending on the airline and the fare class you book with, you could probably use a similar strategy with cash bookings, but you can get into a bit trickier area with flight/trip credits and expiration dates. And, if there are any cancellation fees, then it probably wouldn't work.

I fly SW and the 2nd tier allows flight changes, but I tend to want to book the cheapest one and that comes with a 6 month expiring flight credit for cancelations so that does make me nervous. I think ill wait a couple more months!

 

[Sandisw]

Because I almost exclusively fly JetBlue as they are direct…I book as soon as I am confident in the trip.

Most times it’s about 6 months out. But, Jetblie gives credit if you cancel and I can get credit if price goes down, it’s no harm.

 

[cruisehopeful]

I fly Alaska most of the time and I book as soon as the flights are available. I like to have my ducks in a row.

 

[ThreeKMom]

Is the Hopper app for all airlines or specific ones?
I have a trip for 6 months away and am wondering if I should book it or not.
After reading these responses I think I will go ahead and book it!

You put in your dates and what airport you want to fly out of and into and it will list all airline that fly that route. Then it will tell you when the best time to book is.

 

[ThreeKMom]

Thanks for this! I downloaded the app and their advice was to wait!

You are welcome.
Hopper has never let me down!!