The fare that I bought 8 months in advance just dropped by $300
My mistake should have not booked so early despite reading about it. I think 4 months for international travel is optimal. Luckily I did not buy the ticket at the absolute high point.
This fare has dropped by almost 60% and is almost free now when I see the tax breakdown... how can airlines price their flights so low? This is a multi continent flight to Africa..geez!