Best time to book?
Sep 23, 2019, 3:21 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2018
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 439
Best time to book?
I have a wedding next year in April (17-19) and I'll be flying to New York. Looking to go Y out, W back.
Been watching flight prices and they've been fluctuating around £470-500 mark but recently I've noticed an uptick to about £550.
Could I have some advice on the best time to book to achieve the lowest possible fare? I've heard 6-8 weeks out but that seems a bit risky in terms of if seats fill up quickly between now and then.
Been watching flight prices and they've been fluctuating around £470-500 mark but recently I've noticed an uptick to about £550.
Could I have some advice on the best time to book to achieve the lowest possible fare? I've heard 6-8 weeks out but that seems a bit risky in terms of if seats fill up quickly between now and then.
Sep 23, 2019, 3:26 pm
#2
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Gold, Hotels.com Gold
Posts: 576
The short version in terms of recommendation would be to buy as far in advance as possible and never recheck the prices 
There are others more expert on here than me but I think you're unlikely to find your flights cheaper than that unless you luck out with a sale fare. That is, assuming you're flying from London.
There are others more expert on here than me but I think you're unlikely to find your flights cheaper than that unless you luck out with a sale fare. That is, assuming you're flying from London.
Sep 23, 2019, 3:26 pm
#3
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,754
January sale time seems to also bring about some good fares. If you’re heading outside of school holidays you should be able to pick up some decent prices. I regularly see LHR-NYC fates in Y for around £300 ret. Not sure how much one way on W adds to that.
i would add that on a personal note, the 6 hours back are hardly worth W as sleep time is so little. There’s a great early morning JFK flight that gets you in at 1900 and you don’t need to try sleeping. Save the extra dosh and fly Y and spend the money on a slap up meal in NY.
i would add that on a personal note, the 6 hours back are hardly worth W as sleep time is so little. There’s a great early morning JFK flight that gets you in at 1900 and you don’t need to try sleeping. Save the extra dosh and fly Y and spend the money on a slap up meal in NY.
Sep 23, 2019, 3:31 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2018
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 439
January sale time seems to also bring about some good fares. If you’re heading outside of school holidays you should be able to pick up some decent prices. I regularly see LHR-NYC fates in Y for around £300 ret. Not sure how much one way on W adds to that.
i would add that on a personal note, the 6 hours back are hardly worth W as sleep time is so little. There’s a great early morning JFK flight that gets you in at 1900 and you don’t need to try sleeping. Save the extra dosh and fly Y and spend the money on a slap up meal in NY.
i would add that on a personal note, the 6 hours back are hardly worth W as sleep time is so little. There’s a great early morning JFK flight that gets you in at 1900 and you don’t need to try sleeping. Save the extra dosh and fly Y and spend the money on a slap up meal in NY.
I also agree with your sentiment entirely. It's just I am 6ft 4 and find the WTP seat makes a massive difference for sleeping but the main pull is that I need the tier points (20 v 90)
Sep 23, 2019, 4:07 pm
#5
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,754
Weddings are always a tricky one because the dates are so fixed. Interesting to see if others agree with me on availability and prices around January.
Sep 24, 2019, 2:51 am
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2014
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 12,255
I wouldn't hold out for a "maybe / what if" for the sake of at best maybe £20/30 saving. It's close to Easter weekend and as such kids holidays, whereby Y carries a higher premium. This seems a decent price indeed - book it and get excited !
Sep 24, 2019, 2:58 am
#8
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Gloucestershire
Programs: BA Gold (ex-GGL, maybe future Silver), Hilton Diamond
Posts: 6,198
On that route: hope for a sale or grab anything that looks good.
Below £700 return for WTP is very cheap. Similarly, below £350 for economy. That translates to £525 for Y out, W back, although you could add on a bit for a bag.
Below £700 return for WTP is very cheap. Similarly, below £350 for economy. That translates to £525 for Y out, W back, although you could add on a bit for a bag.