I was wondering why do some people say to wait until the last minute to book international airfare? I see it to be a disadvantage due to the fact that the times and flights/airlines are quite limited.

For instance I booked a trip from SFO-TLV via FRA/BRU on the outbound and FRA on the Return on a Brussels Airlines Ticket Stock with every flight except the BRU-TLV flight is operated on Lufthansa. I paid $1720 for the ticket. Now LOT Polish Airlines is offering $1540 but with a long layover in Warsaw not that I would want to stay such a long time in a Polish airport.

I think people try to save $200 just to save the money. In my opinion I would pay $200 more to fly on Lufthansa Airbus 380 and get better flight times etc. I would much rather connect via FRA/BRU as opposed to Chicago or Washington DC both ways. On the return I only have a 1 hour connection at FRA arriving at 12:40PM whereas other airlines arrive later on in the day.

Now if the savings were $500+ then I would take the LOT option but $200 more to get Lufthansa/Brussels Airlines is not bad. Looking now I don't even see the itinerary I purchased available and all flights for the same cost have one going from SFO-ORD or IAD with odd connecting times.

I guess the lesson is to book the ticket that has a reasonable price and times right away and not to wait. My Father waits and waits and then does not get the right airline or flying times. I on the other hand quickly research and see that its the best fare and scheduling. I much prefer leaving at 2:00 in the afternoon as opposed to flying out at 6 AM with an early wakeup time. If I can arrive at the airport at 11 then that is good.

What are your opinions as to why people like to wait until the last month before departure to book a flight? You seem to lose quite a bit and get the worst seat selections etc. At least I got decent seats at the front of the plane and they are window seats on all flights with bulkhead on some flights.

The only reason I see people booking at the last minute are those who are business people or those who don't know where the heck they are going to.