When to book airfare for Aug?

[kjs1976]

Prices for Aug. 14 and later haven't dropped since coming out. I would book Delta or Airtran to get the best price and usually direct flights. I had friends book a couple of weeks ago on Delta for $299 and those exact flights actually went up. Right now, the flights we want seem very empty each leg. I really want to nail down some final dates for our Aug trip soon. Ideally, I would like to pay $250 or less, like we always have. But now I'm wondering if we will need to pay more. Any wisdom on this topic would be helpful! Thanks!

 

[Christine9125]

I am wondering the same thing. I have been checking the rates weekly, some more often then that and they haven't come down any. I was wondering if there is a good time frame when rates go down prior to a flight?

 

[sam_gordon]

Anyone that could tell you when to book your airfare for the best deal would be multimillionaires because they'd be able to hit the lottery.

Many people say '3-4 months out'. I believe you get a better deal about a week or two after they first release the seats. Others feel differently.

What I tell people is keep watching prices... once they get to a point you're happy with, book and don't look back. If you can't afford the prices, make other arrangements.

 

[jakeybake]

I had been doing the same thing for flights from 8/23-8/29 out of Boston.

We always fly Jet Blue but the prices were just outrageous. Late morning out and late evening back was $1,400 rt for the 4 of us.

I saw a 7:00 am flight out and a 6:30 pm flight back (direct on both) on Delta for $1,000 rt yesterday for the exact days we need so I gobbled it up and booked it immediately. $1,000 rt is right where I wanted to be so I didn't hesitate. Also, we got the seating we wanted. A full row on one side and the aisle seat on the other side. Basically all of us together with only the aisle to separate us. Makes it much easier when traveling with the kids.

I was further validated when I went on Delta today and the flight home that I booked was no longer there, it was sold out. That made me feel great about not waiting.

I say you book it as soon as it falls into your price range because the odds are that there are many other people doing the same thing you are, and you run the risk of losing that flight right away.

J

 

[WDW Traveler]

I agree that you need to book when you feel comfortable. I was waiting for Southwest to open flights for late August from NH. SW is the only airline that flies non-stop into MCO from MHT. On the day they came out they were $260 RT. I booked them. Since then, they have increased to $380 RT! Not sure they will go down or not in a month or so, but I was happier with the $260 than I would have been with the $380. Good luck!

 

[capstubbs]

I booked our tickets for December 3 weeks ago. Delta from Boston 250 rt/pp. The same flights are now 550 rt/pp. Thought I was crazy for booking so far ahead but now I'm glad I did.

 

[n2mm]

Watching August fares too! Not in any hurry to book them until they start moving. I just bought my May airfare this week. After watching for months, the fares all dropped to a normal/affordable rate. As soon as August does that I'll be ready to buy. I'm tracking through Yapta.

 

[taymacsmom]

Hi! I can tell you that I waited months for Southwest to open up the end of August dates and I pounced on them that day (last Tuesday, Feb8). I was able to get us RT tickets for $158/person. Today, those same nonstop flights are $298! Almost twice as much in one week! Needless to say, I am happy that I bought when I did! As previously stated, you should just buy when you are comfortable with the price and try not to look back!

 

[melmar136]

looking for the same month for flights, and kicking myself for not getting them last week, because now the same times have gone up by $150! Frustrating! So, I'm waiting (hoping!) they have some sort of sale soon! Also, not sure how true it is, but going to give it a shot....supposedly midnight on Wednesdays are when flights are cheapest?!

 

[a1tinkfans]

sw DINGS are usually tues/wed flights. It seems to be that the best price you get (are comfortable at) you should book, because they keep saying the flights are going up, not down, and I believe it