I just called UA Group Sales for an international flight next January, and I was surprised that the per-ticket price they quoted in a V bucket (the lowest available) was higher than I am able to get booking each ticket individually, also in a V bucket. I appreciate that there are certain benefits to purchasing through Group Sales (e.g., payment is not due until 3 weeks prior to departure), but I was somehow expecting better fares, too. Has anyone else had this experience?

Since I don't fly until January, does anyone have any thoughts on whether there might be an advantage in waiting to see what happens to fares between now and then?

Thanks.