Expensive Flight, when to book?
Jan 19, 2010 | 1:31 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 38
Expensive Flight, when to book?
Folks,
We are flying from Calgary to Tel Aviv at end of March (29th) for a couple of weeks. How far in advance should we book for best price? Also, any way of knowing if a sale is coming up?
Right now, best prices are on Luftansa and KLM. But, a bunch of other airlines including Air Canada do the route (I would prefer Air Canada, but they are more expensive - Luftansa is much less for flights run by AC!)
Thanks?
We are flying from Calgary to Tel Aviv at end of March (29th) for a couple of weeks. How far in advance should we book for best price? Also, any way of knowing if a sale is coming up?
Right now, best prices are on Luftansa and KLM. But, a bunch of other airlines including Air Canada do the route (I would prefer Air Canada, but they are more expensive - Luftansa is much less for flights run by AC!)
Thanks?
Jan 20, 2010 | 9:11 am
#2
In Memoriam
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: dallas texas usa
Programs: aa plt 4.9MM LTAC
Posts: 14,828
i suggest that you decide what price you would be comfortable with & buy if it's available....i wouldn't wait beyond the 1st week of march unless you like to gamble....however, some times good fares appear 4-7 days before flight time tho usually on domestic......good luck...
edit to add.....you are going during the easter period which might have a lot of travel......you could look a few days in each direction for cheaper flights.....or buy a fully refundable fare and hope you can find the cheaper flight and get your money back...
edit to add.....you are going during the easter period which might have a lot of travel......you could look a few days in each direction for cheaper flights.....or buy a fully refundable fare and hope you can find the cheaper flight and get your money back...
Last edited by clacko; Jan 20, 2010 at 9:40 am
Jan 20, 2010 | 9:40 am
#3
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Orlando, FL, US
Programs: DL-Dirt Medallion;US-Cast Iron Preferred
Posts: 3,617
Welcome to FT, ScarletKnight. Unfortunately, no one here has a crystal ball, so our guesses may not be any better than your own. Since the airlines have really tightened up capacity over the last few years, historical pricing trends are not always valid. There was a site called farecast that has been sucked up into Bing travel that tries to predict when you should buy, you can give it a try. As clacko suggests, the best thing to do is buy when you are comfortable with the price and don't beat yourself up if you find out later that you didn't buy at the rock bottom price.
Jan 21, 2010 | 9:03 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 38
THANKS
Thanks for your advice. Have been doing quite a bit of searching on many web sites. Actually found cheaper price on Delta. Will be buying ticket this weekend. Unfortunately, the airline that I have been collecting many miles is Air Canada - and they have the higher prices. Other Star Alliance partners are also higher.
Someone mentioned closing the thread. I'd be happy to do that. But, not entirely sure how :-)
Someone mentioned closing the thread. I'd be happy to do that. But, not entirely sure how :-)
Jan 21, 2010 | 11:57 am
#7
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Orlando, FL, US
Programs: DL-Dirt Medallion;US-Cast Iron Preferred
Posts: 3,617
Jan 21, 2010 | 2:10 pm
#8
In Memoriam
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: dallas texas usa
Programs: aa plt 4.9MM LTAC
Posts: 14,828
scarlet....i assume that you have the situation under control...and if not, provide more info.....my reference to closing out the thread should have been more like,"if your ? is answered, please say so in a post"....good luck..
Jan 22, 2010 | 2:18 pm
#9
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Dalat, Vietnam
Programs: Vietnam, Asiana, Singapore, EVA, Southwest
Posts: 934
As I'm sure you know, prices would be cheaper if you flew out of a US airport. (about US$1250. on BA from SEA - Priceline quote) - I would personally try to avoid the US carriers at all cost!