Question about flight prices.

[BethEJo]

Hi guys,

I just have a quick question about the "principle" of flight prices.

Is there a general rule (I'm talking about flights to Orlando, scheduled or charter), that the earlier you book a flight then the cheaper it is? Or maybe vice versa: the closer to the departure date you book a flight, the cheaper?

Hope you guys know what I mean. I'm looking to book some flights between June and August 2011 (if I get on the International College Program at WDW that is ).

TIA!

 

[luke]

General rule is the earlier you book the better, as they sell a certain amount of ticket classes at one price, then another batch at a higher price, and so on.

That said airlines do have sales and offers too, so there's no real 'certain' way to get the very best price

 

[wayneg]

No fixed pattern to flight prices.
In general with scheduled early prices can be better but I have found the last year or 2 they have been charging a premium for early bookers knowing people book early then dropping a few months after release but as I say no real pattern, I have had cheap flights booking on day of release and some bargains a few months before flying. Rarely see a last minute bargain for scheduled flights.
For Charter they tend to get cheaper later you leave it in school term, this past 2 months as low as £148 return incl tax. But in school hols opposite happens usually, as they book up the dearer they get.
Its just a matter of watching flight prices every day and booking as soon as you are happy, just don't look again after booking

 

[j9000]

Its just a matter of watching flight prices every day and booking as soon as you are happy, just don't look again after booking

This,
prices fluctuate dramatically thanks to 'sales,' economic climate, how busy the flight is, what colour underwear you are wearing etc.

if you are happy to pay the cheapest price you see at that point, then do it, it could go up, but in a rare occasion go down, its all relative

this is the first time a flight has reduced in cost since buying for me (gone down £20 -70 a month and a half after i booked it) but ive also seen prices increase by £500 for the same flights i booked for £315 (travelling to memphis).

so i could of saved enough for another day or 2, or a universal pass, but im still going for 10 days, and thats the main thing

 

[2Tiggies]

The "general rule" you ask about is currently The Element of Suprise (or shock) We are hoping this is changing though.

Yes, if you see a deal you are happy with, snap it up. You are best having a maximum figure in your mind, along with an ideal figure of what you would like to pay. When you find what you think is a good deal at the time, go for it. Accept that there will always be both better and worse deals after your transaction. You cannot beat yourself up over information you did not have at the time. In other words, once you buy, try NOT to price check (very hard)

 

[2Tiggies]

This,
prices fluctuate dramatically thanks to 'sales,' economic climate, how busy the flight is, what colour underwear you are wearing etc.

Definitely the underwear.

Red is the lucky colour for Virgin cheap seats.

If you prefer BA, wear blue.

 

[BethEJo]

Thanks guys - I was just curious.

Seems that there is no "rule of thumb" as such - all we need is pixie dust

 

[RDP]

Hi guys,

I just have a quick question about the "principle" of flight prices.

Is there a general rule (I'm talking about flights to Orlando, scheduled or charter), that the earlier you book a flight then the cheaper it is? Or maybe vice versa: the closer to the departure date you book a flight, the cheaper?

Hope you guys know what I mean. I'm looking to book some flights between June and August 2011 (if I get on the International College Program at WDW that is ).

TIA!

IMHO the earlier you book the cheaper the flights! The right price is the price your happy to pay! More difficult to plan if you leave it late. Will you be working in the Welsh Shop selling plates of Princess Di!!!??

 

[BethEJo]

IMHO the earlier you book the cheaper the flights! The right price is the price your happy to pay! More difficult to plan if you leave it late. Will you be working in the Welsh Shop selling plates of Princess Di!!!??

Haha, i should be so lucky

I've applied for the summer program - in this program you apply to do number of roles such as working on the attractions, at the food counters, at the resorts etc etc. Basically, anything but working in the welsh shop! That's part of a different program where you spend a year working to represent tour country at the world showcase.

I haven't heard anything from them yet - I believe it's September when they start contacting people re: interviews. So fingers crossed...

 

[j9000]

Thanks guys - I was just curious.

Seems that there is no "rule of thumb" as such - all we need is pixie dust

i would agree with you if it wasnt for that Pixie caught up in the BA Virgin price fixing scandal.