How soon would you buy plane tickets for May 2007?

[mom22boys]

I found a good rate, but not a "great can't pass up" rate for our trip in May 2007. Airline rates seem high for the fall and winter. Do you think the rates might drop or do you think they will continue to go up? How soon in advance would you purchase your May 2007 airline tickets?

Much thanks!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I would definately wait. That is so far in the future that there is bound to be a great fare in the months ahead.

 

[WeLoveThePoly]

We are flying down to WDW in October and I bought our airfare on Delta right at the 331 day mark in early December. I paid $178 for each ticket (total of $535 for the 3 of us). Now the airfare for the same flight is 4 times that amount.

But, I'm sure you can get a good fare with carriers like Southwest and AirTran ... you just have to wait for them to release their schedules (~3-4 months out).

Debbie

(BTW - I'm a Steelers fan too. I was born in Pittsburgh but live in Indiana now.)

 

[dudspizza]

Typically, I wait, but I also have a target price in mind and am willing to buy when I get to that target price. From MSP to MCO that number has been $200 including taxes, though with higher prices, I may have to adjust that number.

Right now I am looking at flights from MSP to Reno and the best I can find for May 2007 is around $375pp with taxes. I am going to watch to see if prices move around since I have the time... at least I am getting a good idea of what prices are for my trip time.

Good luck.

Duds

 

[mom22boys]

Thanks everyone!

WeLoveThePoly, I grew up in Pittsburgh. I have been in Ohio since college, but once a Steelers fan always a Steelers fan!

 

[MickeyEars]

We're also going in May and normally I would book our flights as soon as our dates became available. The fares right now are $300+ pp so I think I'm going to wait for awhile. I might just wait for Southwest this trip because we've never paid over $200. We have some time to watch and see so I think I'm going to wait.

Carla

 

[pppiglet]

I just went ahead and booked today. I know it's not a low price, but I have the days, and times of flights that I wanted and both are non-stop. I'll cut my budget elsewhere. I don't want to be checking flights every day for a good deal!

 

[dudspizza]

I just went ahead and booked today. I know it's not a low price, but I have the days, and times of flights that I wanted and both are non-stop. I'll cut my budget elsewhere. I don't want to be checking flights every day for a good deal!

Now pray that the airline doesn't change the flight times on you.... or worse, change you to a flight with a stop over....

Best of luck.

Duds

 

[pppiglet]

I'm sure they will change (according to everyone's postings on this board) but I won't be surprised about it. I WILL keep an eye on it though! I will definately be praying that they keep them non-stop!

 

[3PRINCESSMOM]

I wouldn't even think of booking until WAY, WAY closer to my dates, as they only book a few months out.

However, the advice I always see here is if the fare seems fair (pun intended... ) to you, book it. That being said, be sure to know what type of rebooking/cancellation policy the airline has. It can be a very tough pill to swallow to see fares for your flight drop and not be able to take advantage. For some, though, having the air portion of a trip purchased and not have to worry about that piece is well worth it. Only you can decide.

 

[mom22boys]

Thanks everyone! I think I will hold out a little longer. What makes it tough is that we live closest to the Cleveland airport, but we also live a reasonable distance from the Canton- Akron airport and even the Pittsburgh airport. I would love to fly non-stop from Cleveland for around $200 pp. You can always find that fare from CAK or PIT, but from Cleveland the fares are always higher. I found a rate of $250 pp from Cleveland which is pretty good. You could probably get a lower DING fare on SW, but I don't think I want to take the gamble and see if one would come through. I know that I will want to have tickets purchased no later than 3-4 months out. So the question is how important to me is flying out of Cleveland? Is it worth the extra $200 for our family of four? $200 is a lot of extra spending money at WDW, but it might be worth the convenience of flying out of Cleveland! I guess DH and I need to make that decision!

 

[MermaidsMom]

I don't know if I would buy yet for May, but I did just purchase tickets for Easter week. Our schools spring break falls over Easter this year and our airport gets sold out very early and the prices get very high. The ticket right now are a fraction of what I paid last year and the change fee is only $50.00. The return flight is very late on Easter Sunday and is non-stop. That gives us time to go to church and have park time before the airport. I had to jump on it, but hate to tie the money up so early.

 

[alcoromom]

I bought our tickets there already for 89.00 out of INdy for May 30.We have no way home yet since only Northwest has the only prices available right now (June 10)and they are 130 or so.We may fly home on Delta instead.I am waiting to price things out.

 

[Esmerelda]

No further out than 3 months here...usually 2 has been best. Airlines run their best sales closer to travel time. Airlines also change times or cancel flights continously so making the reservation too far out creates travel problems. I don't like making them 1 year in advance because I never know what my home situation may be...job issue...ill child/relative...etc. Too much can happen that far in advance. I have always gotten great airfare with no problem. I'm also in Ohio for the record.

just my 2 cents,
Esmerelda

 

[Nik's Mom]

I just checked fares from LAX to MCO for May 2007 and was shocked! They are running about $402 (not including tax) for Delta and American! Last year we had tickets with Delta Song for $100 less! I will definitely wait!

 

[pppiglet]

I just booked with both Delta and AA for non-stop flights. Booked oneway on each airline for $175 before taxes. So with taxes and all for 3 of us round trip total apprx $1200. It's done and I have the times I wanted. (I know they can change....)