When to get Airline tickets?

[Kristie808]

Hi,

I still have not gotten my airline tickets for Las Vegas to MCO.. I keep watching Delta because they seem to have the lowest fares on that route..
I think I missed a good fare earlier, as it is now up to about $350 RT. Does anyone know if this is a good price?

When typically do you guys get your air tickets? I think the next time I see a good fare, I'm just gonna book it!

Any feedback is greatly appreciated!! We've never flown to Florida before, and we are actually from Hawaii, but will be in Vegas for 3 weeks, so I wanted to get 10 days at DW and US IOA!!

Thanks for your help!

 

[sam_gordon]

You will get plenty of different answers to this one. My experience (trips ~every two years) is to book about a week or two after the flights are released. The last couple times I've done this, I've gotten the lowest price (I keep watching).

Others have had good luck at different times ahead of their dates. Some will say 3-4 months out, some will say 4-5 months out. Others will say 3-4 weeks.

The best thing to do is when you see a price you can afford, buy. If it will bother you if the prices drop, don't look back.

One potential problem booking with a "legacy" carrier is the further out you book the greater the chances of the airline changing the flight and/or aircraft. You may or may not be notified of these changes. So it is a good idea once you book to keep checking your reservation. You can use this to your advantage by booking a flight that may not be the best time for you, but is cheaper, and when they change your arrangements, have them put you on the "perfect" flight.

 

[carebee21]

I'm in Vegas and we find the best rates tend to be a few weeks after their released for summer and/or peak times (Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc) And about 3 months out for any other time.

We've flown Delta, Air Tran and this year we're flying Southwest, it just all depends on who has the cheapest fares. We found an amazing deal this year $89/person each way on Southwest. I bought them in early Oct for a mid January trip. A few days later AA & Delta were both matching the price. So definately keep your eye on their sale prices as you never know what will pop up

 

[backyardponder]

We fly Southwest a lot. Be sure to check their web site at www.southwest.com. Sometimes they are more than the competition...often they are less. When comparing fares, remember that Southwest does not charge to check bags. You can check up to 2 50 lb bags per person for free. This can be a big savings.

As far as when to book, normally I find the sooner the better, and book mid-week. They seem to raise fares on weekends.

 

[Kristie808]

Thanks for your answers! I am checking the websites 3- 4 times a day!
My husband says I'm addicted ... lol... he wants me to book it and not look back.. lol...

As soon as I see a fare that is good, I'm definitely booking it!

Thanks again!

 

[novakonline]

You should buy your airline ticket at least 3 months before departure. Somehow airfares can be cheaper on Tuesday or Wednesday. Here you can find some tips: Best time to buy airline tickets

 

[Warren W]

Things couldn't be better.Good luck..

 

[Lisa71]

We have booked early in the past, but that does not always work. There is a travel application on BING that is great. It looks at the rount you are going to travel and predicts whether to buy now or wait based on fare history. It is not always prefect but I have heard they are accurate about 2/3 of the time!

 

[Kristie808]

Thanks for all your input! I found a great fare
$96 each way LAS to MCO!

Now I can say I am officially going to DW!!!

 

[dgr1973]

Good for you finding a great deal! I think its a crap shoot really imho, we usually book about 4 months before a trip but last year we decided last minute to go to Orlando and got a great deal 4 weeks before the trip so you just never know! I do agree with pp's about midweek bookings and that the price goes up on the weekend! I am on the hunt myself for a good deal but we are not going for 6 months so I am hopeful the rates will comes down.