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Thread: Booking for lowest price - as early as possible?
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Old Apr 6, 2011 | 5:20 pm
  #2  
ACORD
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Shanghai
Programs: CX Diamond, HH Diamond, A-Club Gold, Hyatt Platinum, Shangri-la Jade, Intercon Gold Ambassador
Posts: 1,370
Certainly for business and first - booking early does not guarantee the lowest price.

For example I booked a MNL-YYZ itinerary for May two months ago and got D fare basis and a week ago I noticed that I fare basis had opened up which is almost $1,000 cheaper.

My strategy for business class is to book as soon as I know my dates - and check back closer to the departure date. The cancellation fee on a J ticket is $0 and for a D ticket US$50 - so if Internet (business class I) fares become available it is possible to book the cheaper fare and eat the cancellation fee.

I guess booking early does mitigate the risk of prices going up (e.g. Fuel surcharges) but these are usually flagged in advance.
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