How Far can you book
 

Hello,

I hope someone can assist me. A few months ago I found a website that showed me when I can book a flight. It gave me a date when the flights were open. I am planning to go to Rome in June of 2008 and would like to book my flight as early as possible. Does anyone have the site that allows you to book 331 days out.

Thank you

ML

Most airlines allow booking up to 330 days out +/-. Which airline did you have in mind? Paid tickets or awards?

It really does not matter which airline as I would compare prices. I think the website was for award tickets so passengers would know when award sites were available.

ML

I believe the site was www.expertflyer.com, and I also think it's a paid service.

If you have miles enough on any airline, then it really doesn't matter which airline you choose. However, most of us have concentrated on a single airline/alliance, so knowing that award seats are available on BA doesn't do us much good if we're Star Alliance members.

Anyhow, June 2008 is edging close to the 330 day window, so I'd call your preferred carrier as soon as the window opens and work with the CSR for dates and availability on other carriers in the alliance.

Re-reading your post, it's still not clear whether you're looking for paid or award seats. :confused:

If it's paid, you're not always better off booking far in advance, depending on what class-of-service you're looking for. Many times, seats open up a month or less from actual flight dates, if you can stand the heart palpitations.

Also, many airlines run coach class sales (although summer is not the best time for them), but they are typically a few months in advance.

The industry standard for booking is 330 days out and you can do this from the airlines directly - or via any travel agent, or online service (travelocity, etc..) It sounds like you are referencing a site like Expert Flyer - a subscription service that shows award availability. A "lite" version of EF is available at seatcounter.com.

Thanks everyone, but I found the site. It is award grabber.

I appreciate everyone trying to assist me.

ML

:confused:

So I checked out www.awardgrabber.com, and it seems like a calendar that adds 330 days (or whatever) to today.

That's it.

Is that all there is?

Hello,

When I plug in 6/21/08
This is the message I receive.

Award seats for flights departing Jun 21, 2008 (today+360)
will be released on Jul 27, 2007 (today+30).

This is important when you travel during peak times and you need to book this far in advance. I usually put my return date in. I am in education, live in the North East and travel during president's week in Feb to MIA. If I don't book 330 days out, the fares are ridiculous.

It really is a handy website.

ML

righto, book early if it is a "scarce" seat, two ways to do it..... book outbound at 330+ - days and put it on hold then book return 330+ - days out then "stitch the two together for a round trip. or.....book the return trip 330+ - out and at the same time grab the outbound(if there are any left) YIKES ! I did the latter to the caribbean and it worked out ok for me:D

How long can you hold the outbound seat for? If I travel for 8 days how long will the airline allow me to hold the seat?

Thanks

ML

Again, as stated in prior posts, a bit more information from you would be helpful. I assume you are looking for an award ticket? If so, some airlines will allow you to hold the outbound seat for 14 days while waiting for the return to open, but its difficult to give an across the board statement. I suggest you contact your chosen carrier directly.

american allows 14 days ...others?As stated above call or check carefully.

"The Quintessential Award Calculator" - A2=A1-330 in Excel :p

That's how I do it! No internet connection required.