Mileage Run Deals - How soon can I plan a cheap Thanksgiving Day run?

This isn't for a mileage run, but I figure you mileage runners are familiar with this question: when should I expect super-low Thanksgiving Day fares to begin appearing?

I'm travelling on Thanksgiving Day this year, November 28, and returning the following Friday, and I'm wondering when is the best time of year to buy my airfare. As are no doubt aware, Thanksgiving day itself is historically a low-travel-volume day, with super-discount fares frequently available. My question is: do I book a pretty good discount fare today (the "bird in the hand" scenario), or wait until Thanksgiving-day fares are announced? When are such fares typically announced?

Also, have the special Thanksgiving Day fares historically permitted a return the following week, as I have planned, or are they less flexible?

I'm taking nine people from the RIC/IAD/DCA/PHF/ORF area to FLL/MIA/PBI. Discount fares are hitting the $140 - $160 range nowadays, so I'm wondering if I can anticipate savings if I wait.

I have been thinking about the same thing recently. I will be going down to DFW to watch the Redskins/Cowboys game on turkey day.

I think it really varies... I'm actually going to LAX for Thanksgiving (relatives), and I got a ticket in February from CVG on UA for $176, including taxes RT. Not a run, but good price.

AA just had CVG-LAS with good routing (CVG-STL-LAX-LAS) for $144, including tax, that was valid every day of the week, thru April 2003.

Just have to keep your eyes open.

The prices will fall, but availability won't last....

It's too early for the fall sales yet.

I've already got my ticket to SIN for Thanksgiving! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Morrissey:
I've already got my ticket to SIN for Thanksgiving! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif</font>


Me too! And Mrs. Dave M. Out on Friday. 7 hours overnight in SIN. Back on Sunday.