How far out do you book your plane ticket?

[Girlstar30]

The subject line sums it up, but im wondering how far out everyone buys their plane tickets before a trip? Im about 5 months out and without a ticket, but with my favorite airline having all these travel by deadlines now, im more hesitant to pull the plug until later.

Do you find that last minute deals are better or booking months ahead for a busy season?

We're still waiting for my wife's work vacation approval to post, which adds another layer of complexity to having to book these trips so far in advance.

 

[Jonnnyap]

We usually buy ~2 months in advance, which tracks to a decent price point. https://www.google.com/travel/flights is helpful to know if price is trending up/down and if now is a good time to buy.

Hope you have a great trip!

 

[MyDogTink]

I think it’s dependent on a couple of details. For us, we only want to fly United, we need at least 2 sears together because of my 6 yo and my husband likes the seats w/ extra legroom. When I’ve waited, I was challenged with fulfilling these requests. I will now book earlier and monitor prices to see if they’ve been reduced. You’ve reminded me that I need to book.

 

[Orbiter_Fan]

Pretty much when we know our trip dates. We use points with SW, so can always do a points adjustment if the cost lowers (I don't think they're changing that), or cancel and get the points back if a cheap cash booking becomes available.

 

[Brian Noble]

I'm mostly burning SkyMiles, which are fully refundable, so I grab them whenever. But I also don't sweat every last mile/dollar, so as long as the price is fair, fine.

 

[AdamsMum]

Once I have my resort booked, I start thinking about it, but that's too early (11 mths). But it I see a fair price, I book it,. I think I booked my recent trip flights about 6 - 7 months in advance. One more thing off my checklist.
In the past I've never really got any better deals by waiting, anyway.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

Once I have my resort booked, I start thinking about it, but that's too early (11 mths). But it I see a fair price, I book it,. I think I booked my recent trip flights about 6 - 7 months in advance. One more thing off my checklist.
In the past I've never really got any better deals by waiting, anyway.

This is us. Having to book (most trips) up to 11 months in advance, we'll be looking for airline deals after the room is booked. There was a time that waiting until closer might've gotten us a better price, but things have changed in that area - it's not worth waiting, at least not on the routes we fly. Our routes are pretty popular, so we book the room and get the airfare. Then we have 8-9 months to decide on our ADRs!

 

[CraigInPA]

We book about 4 months before we're scheduled to go. While there are at least 5 direct flights out of Philadelphia every day, we don't want to have to fly at 6am or 8pm in order to get a good price, and never book connecting flights.

 

[Girlstar30]

We usually buy ~2 months in advance, which tracks to a decent price point. https://www.google.com/travel/flights is helpful to know if price is trending up/down and if now is a good time to buy.

Hope you have a great trip!

Thanks for the website, this is great!

 

[Girlstar30]

I think it’s dependent on a couple of details. For us, we only want to fly United, we need at least 2 sears together because of my 6 yo and my husband likes the seats w/ extra legroom. When I’ve waited, I was challenged with fulfilling these requests. I will now book earlier and monitor prices to see if they’ve been reduced. You’ve reminded me that I need to book.

My airline that I still have gift cards for that I must use from when I used to like them, just announced a 40% off sale for flights 4 months out so I think im going to wait just a little longer.

The fact that its during spring break/Easter time does make me a little nervous to wait tho, I imagine its a popular time to travel.

I should probably just book, flight changes for travel credit is allowed, im going to be stuck with them for at least another year I imagine

 

[Girlstar30]

This is us. Having to book (most trips) up to 11 months in advance, we'll be looking for airline deals after the room is booked. There was a time that waiting until closer might've gotten us a better price, but things have changed in that area - it's not worth waiting, at least not on the routes we fly. Our routes are pretty popular, so we book the room and get the airfare. Then we have 8-9 months to decide on our ADRs!

I guess i need to see it as would I be more mad if the price went down 30 bucks or went up 200 and then just book

 

[MyDogTink]

My airline that I still have gift cards for that I must use from when I used to like them, just announced a 40% off sale for flights 4 months out so I think im going to wait just a little longer.

The fact that its during spring break/Easter time does make me a little nervous to wait tho, I imagine its a popular time to travel.

I should probably just book, flight changes for travel credit is allowed, im going to be stuck with them for at least another year I imagine

The flip side of travelling easter/spring break is that airlines add flights. But there is no way of getting around that it is an expensive time to travel.

 

[Girlstar30]

The flip side of travelling easter/spring break is that airlines add flights. But there is no way of getting around that it is an expensive time to travel.

I know im seeing some February flights in the $100s one way and im like why didnt we go then lol

We wanted to experience WDW at Easter (i know everyone says to stay away ) but I have a feeling that may be a one and done for us

 

[MyDogTink]

I know im seeing some February flights in the $100s one way and im like why didnt we go then lol

We wanted to experience WDW at Easter (i know everyone says to stay away ) but I have a feeling that may be a one and done for us

I saw your other thread about Easter and the DVC point chart. I am going to respond w/ my thoughts when I get a few minutes.

 

[Girlstar30]

I saw your other thread about Easter and the DVC point chart. I am going to respond w/ my thoughts when I get a few minutes.

Thank you, that thread needs some love

 

[bakerworld]

We fly Southwest or American Airlines. If we're using Southwest points we book almost as soon as they release and then re-check constantly to get the airfare reductions. If we're paying cast, either Southwest or American, we'll wait until about two months out. Now, I have to admit I just put an American on 'hold' for April '26 but only because we're trying to coordinate with out son's using his point for his travel.

 

[WDWLODGE]

We fly Southwest or American Airlines. If we're using Southwest points we book almost as soon as they release and then re-check constantly to get the airfare reductions. If we're paying cast, either Southwest or American, we'll wait until about two months out. Now, I have to admit I just put an American on 'hold' for April '26 but only because we're trying to coordinate with out son's using his point for his travel.

To this point we have flown exclusively Southwest for our WDW trips. Just like bakerworld, when using points we book as far in advance as possible and look for reductions up until we travel.

 

[ThreeKMom]

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.

 

[disneyseniors]

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.

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!

 

[Mle8308]

Usually 2-3 months out. Most tracking sites say that is when the best prices are released. But, I generally know what a good fare is from my area and if I see a decent one at times that work for me, I will book it. If I am flying alone, it doesn't matter as much. If going with family, I tend to book a bit further out.