NYC-Paris
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2006
Programs: Delta Skymiles, Flying Blue
Posts: 717
NYC-Paris
The airfares for 2012 late spring are out of sight! In 2010 we paid about $775 for JFK-CDG r/t. For 2012, they are about DOUBLE that! Award tix virtually nonexistent, or they are asking for an exorbitant amount of miles.
Only exception is EI with a stop in Dublin for about $850. Any good guesses as to whether the airlines like DL or AF are going to maintain a hard line on these big prices to France for the forseeable future?
Only exception is EI with a stop in Dublin for about $850. Any good guesses as to whether the airlines like DL or AF are going to maintain a hard line on these big prices to France for the forseeable future?
#2
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
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menton1,
since this is a specific Delta / AF question, I am moving the thread there.
I will say that prices went up in 2011, and most likely again for 2012.
And if DL forum is anything like UA forum, I'm sure there's already a "why are prices so high" thread, in which case your post may be merged with that.
EmailKid
Budget Travel moderator
since this is a specific Delta / AF question, I am moving the thread there.
I will say that prices went up in 2011, and most likely again for 2012.
And if DL forum is anything like UA forum, I'm sure there's already a "why are prices so high" thread, in which case your post may be merged with that.
EmailKid
Budget Travel moderator
#3
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Are you looking on delta.com with the award calendar? Only Delta-operated flights appear using flexible date search, and most of the capacity NYC-CDG is on AF. Try the FlyingBlue award calendar then use specific dates on delta.com to book with DL miles. FB shows every date in April, in both directions, available at 100K miles in Business.
#4
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What date did you go in 2010 and what date are you looking at in 2012?
Sure prices have gone up in two years. And unfortunately no one has a crystal ball to know if the fares are going to stay about at the current level, go up or go down.
Sure prices have gone up in two years. And unfortunately no one has a crystal ball to know if the fares are going to stay about at the current level, go up or go down.
#6
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: New York, NY USA
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For what it's worth, in non peak months JFK/EWR-CDG in AF's premium economy can be a great way to burn a SWU to get into business class. Fares of ~$1500 are possible this fall; haven't checked the spring.
Be careful with booking classes, etc., but when booked through the DL site the W fares are upgradeable.
Be careful with booking classes, etc., but when booked through the DL site the W fares are upgradeable.
#7
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: MSP
Programs: Delta PM, 1MM
Posts: 3,784
I think prices are often higher this far out than 30-60 days before your intended departure.
For comparison to the 2010 prices, I flew MSP-CDG in September for $1147 RT, booking just two weeks out. Obviously, that was a late decision; you won't be cutting it that close. But it might be worthwhile to wait longer before booking. You could also check bing.com/travel for predictions about whether prices are likely to rise or fall.
For comparison to the 2010 prices, I flew MSP-CDG in September for $1147 RT, booking just two weeks out. Obviously, that was a late decision; you won't be cutting it that close. But it might be worthwhile to wait longer before booking. You could also check bing.com/travel for predictions about whether prices are likely to rise or fall.
#8
Join Date: Jul 2004
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Also note that depending on far out the OP is looking at, Delta usually zeroes out the lowest fare buckets on many flights months in advance, even if very few Y seats have been sold. The lower fare inventory only becomes available later.
#10
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Sydney, AUS
Programs: AA EXP, TG GLD
Posts: 79
Yes I agree with the timing. I've found often when I look one or two months closer, the cheap fares all become available. A trick I use is to check the fare classes available in that month - if nothing then I wait.
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2006
Programs: Delta Skymiles, Flying Blue
Posts: 717
In the past we've booked about 4-5 months out. 30-60 days is a little too close for comfort for us.
But the fare increase to Europe seems so outrageous! Are fares to other European destinations for next year also so out of sight?
But the fare increase to Europe seems so outrageous! Are fares to other European destinations for next year also so out of sight?
#12
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