Tips for purchasing airline tickets

[CharityLynn]

So I have not flown in a long time (2005) and was fairly shocked at prices when I did look. ($450 and up each person) Since we are not leaving until October next year I can't get any real prices I've just checked farthest I can in advance and what prices are this year in October. We will fly out on a Friday and home on Monday.

IT is shocking to me that it may cost us over $1000 to fly to Florida from Michigan. I'm sure there has to be some tricks or tips you can give so that we can get the best possible price.

TIA,

Charity

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Are you asking about airline ticket prices for October 2014? You won't be able to buy tickets for that date until around November 2013 (and only for legacy airlines, not WN or JetBlue, etc.). Who knows what prices will be for air travel almost 1 1/2 years from now? If they are high, you have plenty of time to save to buy them!

 

[HoosierDisneyDad]

Which airport in Michigan are you flying from? I've seen flights as low as $160 roundtrip from DTW to MCO for this October.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Which airport in Michigan are you flying from? I've seen flights as low as $160 roundtrip from DTW to MCO for this October.

OP is traveling October 2014.

 

[sam_gordon]

So I have not flown in a long time (2005) and was fairly shocked at prices when I did look. ($450 and up each person) Since we are not leaving until October next year I can't get any real prices I've just checked farthest I can in advance and what prices are this year in October. We will fly out on a Friday and home on Monday.

IT is shocking to me that it may cost us over $1000 to fly to Florida from Michigan. I'm sure there has to be some tricks or tips you can give so that we can get the best possible price.

TIA,

Charity

OP, I suggest doing what I'm doing... I'm charting air fares for the next 6 months. We want to take a trip over the holidays (Christmas/NY) in 2014. I'm charting three destinations, all using the same dates (for 2013).

I check once a week (usually on Tuesday), and put the results in a spreadsheet. I want to see if there is a drop at any certain point (6 weeks, 6 months, whatever). I expect there to not be.

I'm using Travelocity as my search engine, and am charting Delta, United, American, and US Air. SW is not included because they don't fly out of my airport. I do need to check Allegiant though.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Don't use Travelocity - or any other travel agency. Use a travel search engine like Hipmunk, Kayak, ot ITAsoftware.

 

[CharityLynn]

I have been looking at Kayak So doing one thing right. I am pretty much doing what you are doing Sam.

As far as airport I am trying to be open about it but I looking at grand rapids and Kalamazoo. Open to South Bend/Lansing. Detroit is 3 hours away so I'd rather not travel the far unless its a HUGE difference in price.

We are not set on any specific airline either.

Yes I am looking towards October 2014 but I like being prepared. I know it may seem silly to be even looking when I can't purchase the tix. But I enjoy research and like I said I like to be prepared.

 

[rt2dz]

I'd also check into airfare watchdog and Yapta.

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