purchasing airfare question

[WINTER]

When is a good time to purchase airfare. I live in Illinois and am wondering about airfare to California (DL). Last week the rates were $187 and now they are $209. Any rule of thumb or experienced traveler have info to help? Should I wait a few months??

 

[KGK]

News article last week that the best time to buy your ticket is 6 weeks out. There are tons of articles but here's one link:

time magazine: http://moneyland.time.com/2012/01/2...p-airline-tickets-is-6-weeks-before-a-flight/

"The idea that you should get airline tickets as soon as possible just doesn’t seem to hold. Still, snagging the cheapest tickets isn’t an exact science, and if you find a low-priced flight outside the six-week timeframe, go for it. But the next time you start looking for tickets, you may want to keep that window in mind."

 

[vacationclub]

When is a good time to purchase airfare. I live in Illinois and am wondering about airfare to California (DL). Last week the rates were $187 and now they are $209. Any rule of thumb or experienced traveler have info to help? Should I wait a few months??

All rates have the illusion of going up this week due to the new regulations that force them to include the various taxes. Prices probably didn't change.