Originally Posted by
krmed
Is it realistic to find the same flight for under $1000 at this time of the summer, even on a different airline? Is there such a thing as waiting at the ticket counter after everyone checks in and buying a ticket 2 hours before the flight takes off?
No, unfortunately I don't think that's very realistic - it's just a function of supply and demand on summer routes to Europe. If you wait at the ticket counter until 2 hours before take-off, you'll probably end up buying a full-fare ticket at an even higher price than an advance purchase fare (if there are even seats left on the flight).
Best advice is to search online booking engines with very flexible dates and routings, plus check student travel sites like studentuniverse and STA. And realize that unfortunately you have to pay a premium to book this trip closer to your date of travel than you did the first time.