How far ahead do you book your airfare?

[ScubaSteve]

Sorry for the double post, I was trying to set it up as a poll....









Cheers

[ScubaSteve]

Chris, feel free to delete thread.....

[takemetonegril]

Six months, Airtran opens one month at a time six months out. The fares just go up from there. Booked at 511.00 now it's 722.00.

[dannsamantha]

It really depends on the number of seats sold from what I have seen. If the flight stays empty prices go down and visa versa. Once I decided when to go I watch the number of seats open. If no one is booking I wait. If they are going quick you can expect the price to go up. Also airlines like to raise the rates close (2 weeks of so) to the date so they can sock it to last minute people that have to take that flight.

[CopNkitten]

I watch the fares and when I see them drop, which they do for more varied reasons then I would care to guess, then I book.
I just booked a few weeks ago for April because I saw the prices dropped several hundred per person.
Cop..

[mac_r_a]

We usually book about 4 months in advance. Don't want to miss out on our trip just to save $100.

[keystone]

I too book 3-4 months in advance, usually cheaper prices and better seats.
Bob

[CopNkitten]

According to new research by CheapAir.com based on the travel site's review of 560 million airfares, the optimal time to book a domestic flight is 49 days in advance. If you're flying overseas, you should book almost three months -- 81 days, to be precise -- before you travel.
Cop..

[dannsamantha]

Its a real crap shoot for sure. One can wait and gamble or just book it and close your eyes. LOL We have done both. We booked over 100 days in advance this time. We picked that week because it was over $100 cheaper Fri to Sat. I noticed the flight back was pretty full so I booked right away. Since we have booked now the trip is about 90 days out, it has gone up over 100 per person and the flight back is almost full. I expect it will continue to rise.

[sabinaandscott]

We plan far in advance...New Years is always sold out at resort and so are airline seats about 2 months in advance. In our experience the best time for us has been as soon as they are available...330 days in advance...first six seats on sale and then never again through the year. Other times during the year may vary...but we've also seen on TV Documentaries on flights that mid week...Wed. has best rates. But in general we have booked when we feel the price is fair...like same $$$ as last year then we're good to go. Waited one year and ended up paying $300 more for the 2 of us than if we'd booked right away.