Question about flights

Is it cheaper to reserve a flight 2 months in advance or is it better to wait 2 to 3 weeks before departure. I plan to go to Paris in the beginning of July and every time I search for flights the price fluctuates up and down for some reason.

Thanks

lcw

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Trans Atlantic prices seem to adjust with season/general demand factors more than with the idea prices drop as the departure date nears. Waiting until several weeks before your planned departure to make a ticket purchase may allow you to catch a quick price dip but it might just as well mean that you%26#39;ll pay more as your options narrow.

Keep checking prices, there are many consolidators and search engines available to help you with your decision. Have a realistic price in mind and purchase when you find it, then spend your time planning other aspects of your vacation and do not worry further about airline prices.

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Have a look at 1800flyeurope.com. Although their prices fluctuate too, overall I%26#39;m happy with the prices there.

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I used to work for an airline and there is no rhyme or reason for when fares go on sale other than supply/demand and matching other airline sales. That said, June, July and August historically have had higher international fares. The advice to have a realistic amount in mind and once you find it go for it is correct. My hometown consumer guru, Clark Howard, has recommended this website in the past: www.farecompare.com

Check it out and I think it will help! Good luck.

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I know everyone wants to save $$$ but waiting until just a couple of weeks before departure for a bargain flight is likely to result in one of those %26quot;cut off your nose to spite your face%26quot; situations.

You still have to book lodging unless you are staying with friends or family and you may also want thinks like the museum pass etc.

By all means shot till you drop for bargain air fares but book as early as you can commit.

Now, if you are like me and can drop and run at a moment%26#39;s notice and aren%26#39;t too picky about lodging then you can at times travel to Paris for bizarrely low $$. I just booked air only from Toronto to Calgary for a wedding in July and the air fare was the same as for Toronto to Paris ($500 including all the add ons.

If you don%26#39;t mind staying in an hotel rather than an apartment then there are always rooms to be had in Paris but you might have to lower your standards a bit on very short notice.

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Thanks for the replies.

Out of curiosity also any one dealt with price line and name your price?

Thanks

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Hi!

Every time I try to think I%26#39;m smarter than the %26quot;system%26quot; I lose. Best to set a price in your mind and if it falls below that price, buy the tickets. You can also try

http://farecast.live.com/

which attempts to forecast airfares.

Bill

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I agree with elzevir. Figure out what you are willing to pay. I start checking everyday about 6 months out. I have over the past several years almost always found what I was looking for at around 90 days before the trip.

Another factor, at least for me, is time tables and layovers. I%26#39;m willing to pay extra for non-stop flights and to go when I want to go.

Some airlines will credit back any additional amount paid if the fares goes down after you purchase it.

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Have you decided a departure point such as Miami or Atlanta? Can you get a direct flight to Paris from Orlando?

Pick an amount you are willing to spend and keep checking fares. I picked up round trip air to Paris from Miami for a little more than $600. Grabbed it when I saw it and never looked back as the fare did nothing but climb.

You don%26#39;t want to be spending nine hours stuck next to the lav or in a middle seat so the longer you postpone your plans, the less seating options, may be available.

When are you planning to go? Summer rates are a killer especially if the airlines decide to reduce the number of flights.

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