How often do you check airline websites?

[Pembo]

I am on the watch for fares on Continental. The past few trips we've flown SW and I've bought the tix on the day fares were released.

Do fares change throughout the day? Or am I safe just checking once daily? And if once a day, when is the best time?

 

[LdnCpl]

When I'm scouting for air fares I'm online checking as many times as possible. I have found that air fare changes good or bad will show up very early in the morning. It seems like they do their price adjustments in the wee hours of the morning. I also read that prices stay high during the weekend because they know that's when a lot of people purchase due to being off work. That being said, prices can change at any time 24/7. Supply and demand. Airlines like Southwest can have their dings at anytime. The Airline ticket industry has got to be one of the most unpredictable things I've ever encountered. To get get a good price it seems to take 1/3 persistence, 1/3 patience and 1/3 luck.

 

[EpcotKilterFan]

Hi Barb

I check Continental at various hours in the day. I have found better fares in the middle of the week. There have been occasions when the morning was a higher rate and I came back in the afternoon and it dropped.

Recently I was able to get $152 plus tax and fee round trip to Orlando in December. The day previous it was $300! I do have to fly later in the day to get that rate, but I am ok with that!

Good luck!!

Debbie

 

[dis_guy]

Like the others, I check at least a couple of times a day. I found my best times/price ever at 1:30 AM! I was once told that the best time to check for fare changes is just after midnight in whatever time zone your airline's HQ is located. Apparently that's when changes appear. I've also heard that Wednesday is the best day to look.

I've been doing this for a looooong time and the above tips "used" to work OK. More recently, not so much so. In the end just check as often as you can.

 

[Pembo]

Hi EKF! Looks like I'll be checking Continental numerous times a day for the next few months. I need a fare of less than $200 next March. I'd love $152!!