Pre-Buy tickets 1 year in Advance - Opinions needed

[camk14]

We are planning a trip to DL/DCA in Sept 2017 (Me, DH, DD - 4, DD - 8). My husband's job offers discounted tickets through The Employee Network and as of Sept 15, 2016 they will no longer be offering discounted DL tickets. I am insane to pre-buy tickets a year in advance? According to the email he received the tickets will be good through December 31, 2017. The savings is only $38.30 total, but I also worry about another price increase in ticket prices in the next 12 months. Thanks

 

[ChloroformSdxn]

If the expiry date is Dec 2017, do it. Worst case scenario is that they don't increase ticket prices between now and then, and you only save $38.

 

[agamble]

They will increase ticket prices before September 2017, it's just a matter of when. For years the tickets and APs increased together. Then last year they increased the APs in September after the annual increase in the winter (around February), but saved the regular ticket increase for winter time. So the question is if they'll increase APs in September again (probably), increase both in September (hope not), or hold off until winter time to increase both (best case). If you can afford to buy the tickets now and are willing to do so it is a good way to save the almost $40 plus whatever the increase is. Keep in mind though that regular ticket increases are usually only a few dollars. It's the APs that often increase by $50+ a piece.

 

[Dr. G]

If you are 100% certain you are going in September 2017, nothing lost in buying now. If you are not certain, might consider waiting until you are. Might be wise to quickly research the return policy on the tickets if you may not do the trip. You could of course always sell the tickets to someone else, but many are skeptical about buying "unused tickets" from others since you don't know for sure they are legit until you get to the gate. Enjoy planning for the next year--I think planning is a a major part of the fun too!

 

[smartlabelprint]

If you can't use them
By 12/17 they'll give you credit to buy new tickets.

 

[StormyCA]

I'd do it. I'd be willing to bet my hat that there will be a price hike between now and your trip.