Reduced airfare cycles

[Girlie Goofy]

I may be naive, but I was just wondering if their is a cycle, or some predictable order to reduced airfares? Do they reduce their rates when travel is down, or just when they have a whim to lower their rates. Also, do they reduce rates in one area of the country, and not another? Thanks for any information on this topic.

 

[safetymom]

There is no real cycle. They can change day to day, hour to hour. Lots of things influence what can cause the rates to change. It's all what the market will bear, what other airlines are doing to that destination, weather, consumer demand, etc.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

The airfare dilemma has been making me crazy. The AAA agent told me I should buy my tickets as far in advance as humanly possible because the price could double by the time we leave for Disney. On the other hand, my friend just started up his own travel agency and he says buying them 60-90 days out will be fine. Obviously we run the risk of our flights selling out if we wait too long, but the price could go either way. I guess as soon as DH has absolute confirmation about his vacation days we will buy our tickets and be done with it.

 

[OKW Lover]

The airfare dilemma has been making me crazy. The AAA agent told me I should buy my tickets as far in advance as humanly possible because the price could double by the time we leave for Disney. On the other hand, my friend just started up his own travel agency and he says buying them 60-90 days out will be fine. Obviously we run the risk of our flights selling out if we wait too long, but the price could go either way. I guess as soon as DH has absolute confirmation about his vacation days we will buy our tickets and be done with it.

The AAA Agent is correct - as far as that goes. BUT, he price could drop by the time you leave also. Realize that the AAA agent is trying to sell you today. They know that if you don't book right in their office, the chances of you actually booking through them drop significantly.

Do some advance research yourself before committing to anything. Check on what airfare typically runs by checking your route on Orbitz. Don't tie yourself into particular dates right now, you only want to know what a good price is. After watching this for several weeks, you should be in a better position to know if the price you are being quoted is a good one. If it is, go ahead and book.

 

[safetymom]

I agree with the AAA agent. When flying to popular destinations you need to do your homework and book early enough to get the fare and flights that you want.

 

[Girlie Goofy]

thanks for posting answers to my question. Guess I did the right thing by purchasing them early, just second guessing myself. Wonder how high they might go, with the price of fuel going up all the time.