When to book flight tickets?

[Vicki1971]

Hi

I'm looking to book 3 weeks in the summer holidays 2008 for a family trip to Orlando

Having read a trip report I found Globespan and they do indeed offer flights way ahead and are cheap.

I've checked Virgin flights and they are not available yet for the end of July 08. I'll have to wait another 2 months (ish) to find out what their prices will be.

My question is, what would be best? Will there be reasonably priced economy flights with virgin or is it cheaper to wait until closer to the time of the holiday?

Basically, I want to go for a second Orlando holiday next year and keep the cost of the flights to a minimum. Any thoughts or ideas most welcome.

 

[AlanUK]

I suspect if you are looking to go during the summer holidays that flight prices with anyone are going to be expensive, Virgin's prices are likely to be similar to this years.

If you are looking at nothing but cost then Globespan are going to be significantly cheaper than Virgin I would think.

 

[Vicki1971]

Cost will be a factor though only one of many

I'm after trying to find a decent deal at the right time - due to GCSE exams we can't take the girls on holiday until the summer - which is a HOT time and expensive too

 

[wayneg]

Have you any Frequent flying miles or is it full fare you are paying?
I have been watching price of Virgin prices for this August since they were released, I dont think they have come down much below £800 each economy. When I booked Miles and money I got them at £533, full price was £833.
I use Virgin a lot because of the convenience, no other carrier does 25 nights direct from Manchester to MCO. No way would I pay £800+ if I didn't have Miles to use. I would be looking at Flyglobespan or indirect. It is very dificult to get good prices in August.

 

[Vicki1971]

August isn't my first choice to travel but with exams it's not fair to do it before hand.

Yes I've got about 8000 miles and has my hubby but we will be taking three children too who dont have as many points.

 

[Bambi Sunshine]

If your girls are actually sitting exams next year you should be able to safely go in July. I remember having all my GCSEs complete by my 16th birthday on June 23rd...I know it was a fair few years ago but I dont think it has changed that much

 

[wayneg]

August isn't my first choice to travel but with exams it's not fair to do it before hand.

Yes I've got about 8000 miles and has my hubby but we will be taking three children too who dont have as many points.

Always difficult taking kids out of school, if I was to do it again it would be the Oct half term. We took DS out for 2 weeks before the half term week to give us 3 weeks away. We did that every year at Junior School and 1st year at High school. Never a problem, but all children are different, not an easy decision.
As for you points if you have 10,000 between you you can use them for Miles and money fares. You dont have to use your own miles. I just booked for next Easter all on my account for myself, DW, DS and DS's friend.
If your Hubby wants to get some quick points so he has enough for you all just get a Virgin Credit card and use it for a month, they give you 3,000 miles upon your 1st spend. I have just got 7,500 miles 1st month as I use CC a lot.

 

[Vicki1971]

Some good advice thanks

It's not taking them out of school during term time that I mind - they are exception kids and could cope it's the schools policy.

I made a mistake this year - booked for Easter away, turned out I had booked us the dates in the 06 school hols -so they missed 1 week. We had to fight the high school for months before they'd accept it.

Anyway, I'll collect all of our miles together - got a holiday in March 08 so will add those in too. Then I'll see what Virgin can do for us.

 

[wayneg]

We have been very lucky with the schools, his Junior school head saw the advantages of family holidays and what he gained from them, she almost encouraged(off the record) the 2 weeks a year.
At High school he is top of eveything and part of the NAGTY program for gifted and talented youths. Just shows taking the right children out of school on the right holidays has no ill effects on their education.
Problem is some schools just have a blanket policy, works well for lower achievers, absent kids, poorly children etc but is not fair on the advanced students. Every child's case should be looked at individually.
Good luck getting some flights you only need 2,000/person to get miles and money discount, well worth it when it knocks £300/person off.
As a last resort you can buy miles but not looked into the costs, might be worth looking at if you are stuck and the discount is good.

 

[Vicki1971]

I'm going to be doing the miles + money, savings of £300 for 2000 miles is worth it. Thanks for the advice.

The high school head teacher I have to deal with isn't as nice as yours. My girls too are members of NAGTY but it hasn't helpped re time off with the school. The courses NAGTY run are good though.

Anyway, cheers!