Vancouver flights - when is the best time to buy?

[RedSox68]

When we sailed to Alaska from Vancouver, we actually flew into Seattle (from Chicago) and then took the train up to Vancouver. It was significantly cheaper, and we enjoyed a very scenic train ride. If we sail to Alaska again, and we intend to, that's probably the route we'll take again.

Taking that train was almost like an excursion. And you're right, the prices were very reasonable.

 

[xlxo]

In addition to the train, there is a dozen buses that serve Vancouver and Seattle.

Be aware of the train times. You need to check out of the hotel REALLY early or you arrive at the cities VERY late in the evening. There is no mid-day train.

 

[TJA]

I'm in the same boat, OP. Hopper tells me prices will vary until June 11 for my selected departure airport (Toronto). Buffalo is closer, but not direct and prices are actually higher. I've been looking at Air Canada for the last month or 2 and the prices have consistently increased. I keep waiting it out but am itchy to just book. There are TONS of empty seats, so I keep thinking there has to be a sale soon.

 

[Quellman]

If money is a primary motivator and you have time, consider Flying to Seattle and then either taking the bus or the train to Vancouver. Saved us a considerable amount on air fare.

 

[Trip planner]

The luggage and other airline fees may push it to $600.

Luckily we are on United with a fare that allows a carry-on plus personal item. I plan to check 1 additional bag so another $50 round trip. We can’t bring more than that unless I plan to buy more luggage

 

[RedSox68]

In addition to the train, there is a dozen buses that serve Vancouver and Seattle.

Be aware of the train times. You need to check out of the hotel REALLY early or you arrive at the cities VERY late in the evening. There is no mid-day train.

True -- we had to be at the train by 6 a.m. in Seattle

 

[disneycruise100]

Have been monitoring hopper and it keeps saying wait, but also shows terrible flights that won’t work, like a 6am return...

I think it's just showing the cheapest. Hopper always shows me a flight with a 34 minute layover in Minneapolis... Not gonna happen. I fly only Delta so I just use it to see trends and predictions about when they'll go down in price.

Yeah it just shows everything available. I usually only fly one airline but it still helps me see trends

Same here. I only fly Delta. But it's nice to see the trends.

 

[abayaflowers]

In addition to the train, there is a dozen buses that serve Vancouver and Seattle.

Be aware of the train times. You need to check out of the hotel REALLY early or you arrive at the cities VERY late in the evening. There is no mid-day train.

Last week, I purchased 5 plane tickets on Alaska Air from SJC to YVR for $347 each including tax plus fees. Then, I added insurance in case of any cancellation costing me ~$113 for all tickets.

As for the train, "disneycruise100" is correct. There's one @ 7 a.m. in the morning and one at night. Since you are traveling across the border with checked luggage, they recommend 2 hours prior to boarding meaning, one will need to be at the train station by 5 a.m. Originally, we were going to plan on it, but there are 4 ppl in our party who are late risers. So, we will miss out on rising early. It was my goal to take the train. It is significantly cheaper and the family would enjoy it.

Hope this helps!

 

[mmdreamer]

Check out Air Canada’s direct flights. We live in Vancouver and are planning to go to New York next summer. Air Canada has great prices on their direct flights. I looked at end of July prices, and it would be a little over $400USD for round trip tickets. Remember that pricing on Air Canada is in Canadian dollars. The direct flight from YVR to NY leaves at 8:45am, so you would need to spend a night in Vancouver and leave the next morning. Or, spend a few nights after the cruise, Vancouver is a great city!

 

[jdg345]

We booked ours in January, and prices had gone up from when we first looked. We probably should have booked prior to November for a July trip.

Inventory was an issue for us as well, larger group, so to get seats on flights that made sense from a time perspective added some challenges. Everything was wide open when we first looked and by the time we booked in January some flights were no longer available.