When should I buy airline tickets?

[Al Hidalgo]

I am on the July 20th 03 Wonder, is it too early to purchase airfare? Southwest has a special this week, $94.00 one way from Albuquerque to Orlando. For a family of 4 it adds up and I am counting on the specials that SW does to get us there and back.

Al

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

I usually start shopping for airfare about 6 months in advance. I'm pretty familiar with what the "normal" fares are for where we like to go. Anytime I can get a significantly lower than normal fare - I go ahead and book it. For us it seems that the good deals come out about 3 months prior to the time I like to fly.

If the price for Southwest is a good one - I'd go ahead and book it. Just my 2 cents!

 

[Minybear]

I normally shop for airline about 6-7 mths ahead and then hoping to get a discounted tickets around 3-4 mths prior. My suggestion for you is sign up with Expedia.com and in your profile ask them to notify you for specials from your airport to MCO and then constently go into that web site and click on Fare Tracker (this is your summary of your favorate routes) and see if they have a special for you.

 

[rmbreset]

You might want to stongly consider that southwest deal on the basis that fuel is increasing daily so air fares are going to do the same. I don't see the mideast / fuel crisis ending before July.

 

[MFan]

We just booked ours for the May sailing. Northwest had a special of $209 RT out of SFO about 2 weeks ago. Every other major airline was priced around $350. So, I snatched it without even blinking...

From my experience, airlines don't start fare promotions much earlier than 4-5 months out. Depending on economic trends/indicators, the promotions get better or worse as the lead time shorten.

If you're looking at Southwest, I would book right away. Unless they changed their policy, they don't have penalties for cancellations nor changes. So, you can apply the full credit that you paid today to any future fare reductions. By locking in today, you can be sure to get the flights you want.

 

[DeniseCJ]

I just booked airfare for July/August trip. American Airlines had a special for 168RT(including taxes&fees) from Chicago to Orlando. I found the fare on AA website & travelocity ....expedia had the same flight for over 200 a person.