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!!

 

[Girlstar30]

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.

I love jetblue but theyre almost 2x the cost of SW for me so I always pass i do like them a lot better tho

 

[Girlstar30]

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.

I am looking into switching to Alaska from now on now that Costco discontinued SW gift cards and sell Alaska. I have no loyalty to any airline anymore

 

[Girlstar30]

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

I set my alerts, im just happy its easy to use

 

[airjay75]

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

Just wanted to also say thank you - I downloaded the app too. Although I usually book with miles, the miles redemption does tend to coincide with whether the cash price rises or falls this might just save me some time and effort checking my mileage redemptions for my flight dates.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Heavily dependent on routes and airlines. I just booked a Feb flight to CA tonight. I have not booked my Feb or April flights to FL yet.

 

[juliebee]

I am looking into switching to Alaska from now on now that Costco discontinued SW gift cards and sell Alaska. I have no loyalty to any airline anymore

wow, I didn't realize Costco had discounted Alaska gift cards! That is great news. We love Alaska. They are the only one offering nonstop to Orlando from my home city.

 

[VGCgroupie]

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.

That has changed now for the Main Basic. I miss just being able to book the miles price shown without worry.

 

[Girlstar30]

wow, I didn't realize Costco had discounted Alaska gift cards! That is great news. We love Alaska. They are the only one offering nonstop to Orlando from my home city.

Yes it used to be SW but then they changed it to Alaska! I was so hoping this would include Hawaiian air because Alaska owns them, but sadly you cant use the Alaska gc's on there. I am going to look into Alaska for our next trip, Costco airline gift deals are great!

 

[juliebee]

Yes it used to be SW but then they changed it to Alaska! I was so hoping this would include Hawaiian air because Alaska owns them, but sadly you cant use the Alaska gc's on there. I am going to look into Alaska for our next trip, Costco airline gift deals are great!

Can't you book on Alaska's website for Hawaiian Air? I had a trip in September booked via Alaska that was on Hawaiian Air. I had to cancel that trip unexpectedly, so now have a big Alaska credit but thankfully it's an Alaska credit and not just for Hawaiian Air since we have some CA and FL trips coming up. Hawaii is on the back burner for now. Anyway, see if you can book Hawaiian Air on the Alaska website.

 

[Girlstar30]

Can't you book on Alaska's website for Hawaiian Air? I had a trip in September booked via Alaska that was on Hawaiian Air. I had to cancel that trip unexpectedly, so now have a big Alaska credit but thankfully it's an Alaska credit and not just for Hawaiian Air since we have some CA and FL trips coming up. Hawaii is on the back burner for now. Anyway, see if you can book Hawaiian Air on the Alaska website.

I'll check it out, I didnt know you could do that!

 

[Jabroniville]

Generally, I try to book as far ahead as possible due to cheaper rates, but because I actually have to put in for vacation days, I typically won't do it until the start of the year.

 

[Brian Noble]

Main Basic

I’m too fond of the club to book that.