When to Book Airfare for Next May?

[MNT568]

It looks like I will have to cancel our October trip so we have decided to go in May of next year instead (the May trip is going to be longer than Oct, YAH!).

When is the best time to book the airfare for May? I prefer to fly Delta, I looked on their website and they have flights list for $199 (Boston to MCO). Do you think I should wait and see if I can get a better price?

 

[vellamint]

Was thinking the same thing myself.

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

This far in advance, I would wait until at least after New Years.

For one, the airlines change their schedules every few months. The flight you book now could change at least twice between now and May.

Most unsold seats at the cheaper fares don't start going up until 14 or 21 days before the flight.

Besides, after the holiday travel season is over, the airlines may start a price war. Waiting until then can save you the headaches of trying to get the airline to refund the difference in the fare you were charged and the lower fare.

 

[cassie]

I always use Delta for my May trips and usually book around February. By the end of the year the fares will be high for spring, but keep watching for the spring fares. I have a set price in mind, usually can get it for $160 rt, so when I see something near that price I book.

 

[corvair]

WE just went in JUne. We booked it April. I am checking now for next May. They are about $40.00 more a person. I think I will wait also to try to get it cheaper. I thought the farther out the cheaper. It does not look like that.. corvairamy

 

[Mark P.]

Another "May tripper" here, and tried plugging in our dates and preferred flight times on USairways site, and some of the times are already taken on our return flight, which is on a Thursday. I called them direct, and was told that it's because of the Disney Cruise's dates.

We're going to wait until the new year to book, and most likely we'll just have to choose a later flight back, which isn't a big deal.