Best Window to Purchase Airline Tickets?

[BDJazz]

We are traveling to WDW in May of 2010. My question is regarding when the best time is prior to the trip to get the best deals on airline tickets? I have seen in the past that ticket prices are high when first available, then drop in price, and then a couple weeks out the prices shoot up again. In other words, how far in advance should I buy the tickets to get the best deal? Also, what airlines or websites have you used to get the best deal? We will be flying from Reno, NV to Orlando. Thanks everyone!

[dmanz32]

We are traveling to WDW in May of 2010. My question is regarding when the best time is prior to the trip to get the best deals on airline tickets? I have seen in the past that ticket prices are high when first available, then drop in price, and then a couple weeks out the prices shoot up again. In other words, how far in advance should I buy the tickets to get the best deal? Also, what airlines or websites have you used to get the best deal? We will be flying from Reno, NV to Orlando. Thanks everyone!

We just got back from WDW. I booked my flights in November, so about 6 months out. I usually try to book as far in advance as I feel comfortable committing to the trip (keeping in mind vacation time, school, etc.) This past trip the price went down twice. I received credit through JetBlue each time the rate decreased. My sister booked through Southwest and found the same. All we had to do is keep watching our flights and call, or email, the airline and they made sure we got the credit. My suggestion is to watch your actual flights right up until travel day.

I have used all of the major airlines for my trips. I have also used some of the travel sites to book airfare but most recently found better deals going through the airline directly. They are also easier to deal with should you need a change or credit than if you buy through a travel site.

[7swans]

In booking flights for our student groups, I have spent considerable time trying to figure out the answer to your question.

The truth is it varies widely by the airline. Airtran has lower fares when they first post the flights, however if they drop or go on sale & you call them they will credit you for a future flight. Southwest seems to operate the same way, though we have not flown with them since 2006.

The non discount carriers like Continental & Delta, in my experience have their lowest fares 90 days prior to the travel date.

Don't forget to look at the baggage fees & fess for seat assignment & take those into consideration when comparing cost.

I have also looked at flight maps of carriers, finding that some of them are within a reasonable drive for us, though they don't fly out of our "home" airport. If the fare is low enough it might be worth considering.

I hope that helps!