Buy flights now or later?

[cassa333]

Hi,

I have booked accomodation for next summer and wondered if it was better (cheeper) to buy now or wait until nearer the time.

Thanks

[Buenchico]

It's an academic question anyway. While a few 'full fare' airlines might let you book that far ahead, the budget airlines won't open bookings for next summer until around the end of the year (or, for some routes, even later).

With increasing fuel costs, a lot of the budget airlines are bound to be reviewing the profitability of their routes; it's almost certain that some existing routes won't be offered next summer. With this in mind, it's quite likely that the budget operators might wait until slightly later than usual to announce their plans for next summer.

Once booking does open, it's usually best to book early for 'sunshine coast' destinations but there are often plenty of late bargains for other destinations, such as Dublin or Berlin.

Chris

[Hymie]

I would agree with Buenchico, especially if there are no budget flights to your destination.

Scheduled airlines release seating around 330 days in advance (to the general public) � so you might be able to book now. Travel agents get access to flights virtually as soon as they are planned, at around 360 days � so your local travel agent may be able to help.

Scheduled airlines rely on business travelers, who book less than month before flying � they release a limited number cheep seats, knowing that they will sell the rest at full price.

You could find yourself having to pay top whack (since you cannot change your travel dates). If you were to get a bargain on a scheduled flight, it would be within 7 days of travel (would you want to leave it that late?), by which time you might find you cannot even get a seat (unless first class).