Wow, I'm so glad I took all you advice!!

[jelo]

I booked my flight way earlier than I initially planned to, because of the advice from this board... my parents suggested I wait as fares go down..

We are flying with SW on March 3-13th, for $159. each way

I just checked and the flight is sold out and it's $359. now for a later timeslot!

Now I feel like I got a deal!!

Thanks for all your experience everyone!

 

[disneymarie]

That may have been the way it was pre 2008 as we did a few times, but now there are fewer flights and smaller planes. Not much oppertunity to get a great rate.
Let your parents know those days may be gone for quite awhile.

 

[Tara]

In all fairness to your parents, surely they didn't mean that you should wait until just a few days before your flight?? Virtually ALL airfare goes up within 7 days of departure and most go up within 14 days of departure.

(Fares are not terribly predictable and IME they do sometimes go down about 3-4 months prior but this isn't a hard-and-fast rule, so when you see a price you're willing to pay, it isn't a bad idea to just pay it. If you aren't flying a carrier that will refund the difference if the price drops, then just don't look back!)