flight question

[homeschool mom]

I have a question for those of you who are frequent flyers. When is the best time to purchase plane tickets? We are going to WDW in mid December. When should we start looking for tickets to get the best price?
Thanks

[Zippy 1]

We got really good deals with Southwest last June for our end of the year trip

[Fangorn]

There isn't a "best" time that's applicable to everyone. Airfares are highly fluid and can change daily (or even more frequently) based on market, competition, demand and other factors. For Dec, 2017, you may have already missed the lowest fares for your market (or not).

I would start searching now if 2017 is the target, and keep looking daily to get an idea if there is any sort of movement happening. Find a fare that you're comfortable with and then buy the tickets.

Steve

[texas211]

We fly American, so I'll compare and its sometimes a better deal to book a package (car, hotel, air) and sometimes not. So, no consistency. Don't forget to use AAA if you have it. That can have some good deals, or added savings.

But, I found earlier in the week and not later. Also, if you have any flexibility, flying Friday or Sat, is better than on Sundays. So, you'd be surprised by how much changing by a day at either end of your trip, might make a difference.

[Speedy1998]

You can also try alternative airports. For example flying to Tampa and renting a car may be significantly cheaper than flying to Orlando international.

[PopPhan]

I fly Southwest out of Baltimore (BWI) and always try to book as soon as the dates for my trip open up on their schedule. I did this for my end of November trip and am saving over $60 from current costs for the same flights. IF they lower prices, I can always rebook and get credits on my account for my next flight (within one calendar year of original booking.)

Best bet is to 'shop around' until you can find flights/airlines/airports that fit your budget and schedule.

[Mendelson]

I have a question for those of you who are frequent flyers. When is the best time to purchase plane tickets? We are going to WDW in mid December. When should we start looking for tickets to get the best price?
Thanks

From East Central PA you fly from....?

[Mendelson]

I fly Southwest out of Baltimore (BWI) and always try to book as soon as the dates for my trip open up on their schedule

Actually, this is not a good practice with SW. Usually about 40-50 days out are when you'll find the best rates. You have to be diligent, and check frequently, but you can get some good rates from BWI - MCO.

For our May trip I was checking nearly every hour for a couple weeks and at about the 40-day point I booked flights back home (MCO to BWI) for $38 (a Saturday). Our flights down (on a Wed) were $64, also booked in the 40-50 day window. I suggest booking two one-ways vs. round trip.

But again, SW will play with fares (without announcing sales - I've literally seen fares for the same flight go from $130 in the AM to $100 in the afternoon, and back up to $130 in the PM) and so if you check pretty consistently starting at about 60 days out, you should be able to lock in low rates.

The ability to rebook the same flight at a cheaper fare, as you note, is a great SW benefit!

[Cinderelley]

Actually, this is not a good practice with SW. Usually about 40-50 days out are when you'll find the best rates. You have to be diligent, and check frequently, but you can get some good rates from BWI - MCO.

For our May trip I was checking nearly every hour for a couple weeks and at about the 40-day point I booked flights back home (MCO to BWI) for $38 (a Saturday). Our flights down (on a Wed) were $64, also booked in the 40-50 day window. I suggest booking two one-ways vs. round trip.

But again, SW will play with fares (without announcing sales - I've literally seen fares for the same flight go from $130 in the AM to $100 in the afternoon, and back up to $130 in the PM) and so if you check pretty consistently starting at about 60 days out, you should be able to lock in low rates.

The ability to rebook the same flight at a cheaper fare, as you note, is a great SW benefit!

Thanks for this info. I love Southwest but generally buy my ticket and then forget about it. I will have to start checking more often.

[VWL Mom]

Thanks for this info. I love Southwest but generally buy my ticket and then forget about it. I will have to start checking more often.

There are sites that will check you fare and alert you when the price drops, the one I use is yapta

[Cinderelley]

There are sites that will check you fare and alert you when the price drops, the one I use is yapta

Thank you