Best time to book airline tickets?

**SoV** · 04-15-11, 04:14 PM

Either really early, or really late.

**freeVICK** · 04-15-11, 04:20 PM

would really hate to buy my tickets today thinking i got a good deal, only to check tomorrow and see i got fukked in the ass.

sov, i plan on traveling late may-early june. i think the "really early" period went out the window... what would you consider "really late"?

**iceminers26** · 04-15-11, 04:22 PM

depends on where you are traveling, certain spots if you wait up until the last minute you can get the best deals

**almir** · 04-15-11, 04:25 PM

Earlier is the best, no discussion

**SoV** · 04-15-11, 04:26 PM

Originally posted by freeVICK

would really hate to buy my tickets today thinking i got a good deal, only to check tomorrow and see i got fukked in the ass.

sov, i plan on traveling late may-early june. i think the "really early" period went out the window... what would you consider "really late"?

Well, it also depends on the demand for the tickets. Also, if you are flexible with dates, it helps. And try and fly on a weekday.Tickets tend to be cheaper on Mon-Thurs compared to Fri-Sun.

**freeVICK** · 04-15-11, 04:27 PM

not sure if they still do this, but i remember hotwire or one of those sites offered a refund of the difference if your tickets came down in price after you booked...

**boatboatboat** · 04-15-11, 04:30 PM

Originally posted by almir

Earlier is the best, no discussion

3 weeks ago tics from Indy to San Antonio in Mid july were 625 each. Now they are 340.

No discussion my ass.

**mtneer1212** · 04-15-11, 04:37 PM

If you go to bing.com, it will show you the historical fare data for the route and provide a recommendation to buy or wait.

**Domer** · 04-15-11, 04:40 PM

ive been buying tickets for a while, and the whole thing is anyone's guess at this point. they screw around with the fares quite a bit, so there is definitely no answer SINGLE answer to this question.

generally speaking, I would say 22 days out is a good time to buy. at the 3 week window, flights generally go up.

the other thing to take into account is the price of oil, which is going up. that's a huge expense for an airline and it will be passed on to consumers. so if you think the price of oil is going up (i have no clue myself), then now could be a good time.

**boatboatboat** · 04-15-11, 05:03 PM

Most airlines buy contracts that are 6-9 mths long on fuel prices. (actualy insurance on futures) Airlines today are filling up with fuel they bought in Sept.

**kaliboyz** · 04-15-11, 05:19 PM

2 weeks ahead, and buy it on either tuesday's night or wednesday's night (online only) saved you aleast $100. Hope this will help

**dbnmln** · 04-15-11, 06:28 PM

anyone got some good sites on cheap vacation packages?

**SoV** · 04-15-11, 07:34 PM

Originally posted by dbnmln

anyone got some good sites on cheap vacation packages?

There is not one good site. You will have to look at various sites to check out the best offer.

**no1here** · 04-15-11, 07:36 PM

agree vacation packages are never a good deal

**WvGambler** · 04-15-11, 07:38 PM

Before the flight

**blackbox** · 04-15-11, 11:29 PM

Alligent Airlines 2 weeks at least-sooner if possible -hard to beat the flights to Vegas.

**MMAchicka** · 04-15-11, 11:40 PM

Anybody look into tickets to Puerto Rico yet?

**Foosball Champ** · 04-15-11, 11:53 PM

How about tickets to Costa Rica to settle an old score.

**MTek** · 04-16-11, 12:54 PM

Originally posted by Domer

ive been buying tickets for a while, and the whole thing is anyone's guess at this point. they screw around with the fares quite a bit, so there is definitely no answer SINGLE answer to this question.

generally speaking, I would say 22 days out is a good time to buy. at the 3 week window, flights generally go up.

the other thing to take into account is the price of oil, which is going up. that's a huge expense for an airline and it will be passed on to consumers. so if you think the price of oil is going up (i have no clue myself), then now could be a good time.

I think this is a pretty accurate statement, the only thing I can add is.. I've heard Wednesdays are the best time to buy...apparently individual vacation travelers buy on Thursdays through the weekend and business's buy at the beginning of the week.... I dont know how true it is

The last tickets I bought went up $10.00 from 6 weeks before to 2 weeks before the flight...then shot up $100 until flight time.

Try to book on something like Orbitz...who will offer "lowest price guarantees"

**Lazy-Man** · 04-16-11, 01:12 PM

I heard wednesday nights are the best time

**Foosball Champ** · 04-25-11, 11:49 PM

What website would use to book a flight to Maui? probably in July or August?

**Dutch** · 04-25-11, 11:54 PM

Originally posted by no1here

agree vacation packages are never a good deal

Vacation packages can be a screaming good deal. Especially if it's to a tourist spot like Cancun.

**vvvv** · 04-26-11, 12:46 AM

lol

where u plannin to go.. take couple of us and BOOK now haha

**vill** · 04-26-11, 12:48 AM

better is to book few months before traveling somewhere, I always try to do that.

**VegasVixen** · 04-26-11, 01:14 AM

For this summer's travel the earlier the better. They've been predicting higher gas prices all year, even before the issues in the middle east.

**beanbag** · 04-26-11, 01:16 AM

yeah im still looking for tickets to costa rica for the bash

**nijole** · 04-26-11, 01:20 AM

I suggest you to buy tickets right now, because they now will be cheaper

**OneLossParlayGuy** · 04-26-11, 01:22 AM

sooner the bettter, and try to travel on tuesdays or wednesdays

**DeluxeLiner** · 04-26-11, 02:38 AM

i think earlier the better. sometimes it will go down but losing should average out with winning. unless you feel like oil is about to plummet or something then maybe lay off. then again if you are that sure that oil is going to drop then stop worrying about airline tickets cuz you probably are rolling in the dough.

**SBRMAN23** · 04-26-11, 02:55 AM

Thanks for all the advice from everyone an.d input will use in future

**19th Hole** · 04-26-11, 04:20 AM

Originally posted by no1here

agree vacation packages are never a good deal

Absolutely NOT true.
You can get a hell of a bargain on Apple
packages. I've paid the price of a flight only for all-inclusive stays with
flight. If you are headed to Europe, Mexico, CR or DR....
You can get a last minute
special or a "Square Deal". You can also use the dropdown feature
to check out specials from whatever airport you are leaving from.

Also, I have purchased good packages through Expedia
and Orbitz. For example, last year I got a flight from Chicago
and hotel (for 2) for 3 weeks in Acapulco for $1500/US.
Although, if you see that the prices are
heading up a tick....you have to pull the trigger
the next time it ticks downward.

Good Luck and have a fun trip.

Also....Check TRAVELZOO for specials.

**Tomahawk** · 04-26-11, 04:39 AM

Originally posted by SoV

Either really early, or really late.

Yes but later you won't be sure to get a free seat. I think 2-3 month before the flight is the best.

**Gruntworker** · 04-26-11, 04:54 AM

Early is beter... but there are always last minute deals as well

**noober** · 04-26-11, 04:55 AM

the earlier the better