When to book airfare and airport hotel?

[Chip_Dale]

Trip is booked for the beginning of April 2017. Would I get a better deal booking now or wait until closer to departure date. Planning on using a discount (booking.com hotels.com ) web site to book hotel Thinking might get a better deal closer to date to get rid of the inventory. You would have less choices but think better deals.

 

[aballerina]

Not sure about the hotel but airfares seem to go up and down. I would start keeping an eye on flight prices right now (I check every single day as it only takes a couple of minutes). As soon as you see a good price grab it. And here's the important part....once you book the flight stop checking!!!!

 

[starvenger]

When I go on cruises I usually go to Expedia and book a hotel (with free cancellation) for the night before. That way if I find something better or plans change I can cancel with no penalty.

I suppose the same could apply here.

 

[Starwind]

For airport hotel, we book as soon as we know our plans OR the hotel opens availability for that date. I get a cancellable/refundable rate that I am willing to pay. That way, if a cheaper rate comes along I book it and then cancel the original booking, but if no cheaper rate comes along I know I have a room and don't have to worry about availability issues as we get closer to the travel date.

We do the same for our WDW trips: book at rack rate we are willing to pay, and then get a special discount added if one comes along.

For airfare, it somewhat depends on who you want to fly with and what type of seats.

SW

 

[Rory CB]

I highly suggest getting the app "Hopper" for your airfares - it lets you know what to expect to pay for a flight, and can monitor the prices for you to let you know when to buy. They don't have all airlines historical data, but most of the bigs ones are there.