You people buying flights for next February are scaring me!

[tinkerbell of winter]

Does this mean that if I buy my flights a little later, ie... when jetblue and southwest fares come out that they are going to be sky high for presidents day week? I still have to decide whether or not i'm going in December and buy those tickets that aren't even available yet. I hope the flights won't be too expensive!

 

[JoeCathyAngelina]

At 330 days before a major airline flight when the flight is first posted, empty and the cheapest, most travel agencies stock up on flights at the popular times usually for planned future business travel. As the flight time fills up it becomes more expensive.
I paid $168/person, 3 people = $504 total for my American Airline non-stop, round trip flight from Boston to Orlando 4/1-4/8. That same flight now cost $510/person. Do the math, you can save a lot of money by booking early.
Good Luck.

 

[pumpkinboy]

If you are planning on buying JetBlue or SouthWest when the fares first come out, then maybe you'll get one of the cheap seats. As far as I know, the only way you're gonna get the cheap seats for prime times on the legacy carriers is buying at the 331 day mark. Tho I managed to score cheap direct tix for our February dates, the folks who tried last night were not as lucky, even tho they used the same strategy (not sure about the friend I advised tho, I am hoping they got something good).

It seems to me that the flights for prime periods, like spring break, Xmas and Thxgiving are like the family silver at the garage sale: even if they are for sale, they are not gonna let them go cheaply. These are seats that they are almost guaranteed to sell (just try to find a seat on a direct flight from Boston to Orlando the frist day of April break (4/16) at this point); they would be pretty poor businessmen if they parted with those at a discount knowing that they can and will sell for full price at some point.

Good luck with your tickets!

 

[dvc guy]

Buying at the 330 day mark is the only way to go for larger carriers. I got a 59 ticket from LGA-MCO on 12/23, I have know idea why they would sell a seat that cheap, now it is up to 249. Just bought for Presidents week JFK-PBI for 74. It is almost like a game to outguess the airlines. What other company would lower prices while fuel goes sky high. I can't speak for Southwest , but Jetblue never has super low rates around the holidays.

 

[Brian Noble]

Not all airlines release cheap seats early. NWA's yield management seems not to release K fares until 6-8 weeks out, and only if the flight is undersold.