Cheapest time to book a flight?
Mar 10, 2013 | 12:29 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 120
Cheapest time to book a flight?
I tried looking on Google, but I saw all kinds of numbers. Is there a best time to book a flight? I need to book one for September and my employer will reimburse my flight up to a certain amount, but it is looking a little high right now. wondering if I should just book now or wait a month or two.
Mar 10, 2013 | 12:37 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2008
Location: BOS/SIN
Programs: SQ
Posts: 2,704
I would say 1-2 months before flying.
That being said, there are often sales, and you should buy it immediately you see a price you like if you have fixed dates.
The only issue is that these cheap fares have rules that don't allow for free changes.
What flight are you looking at and what is the price?
That being said, there are often sales, and you should buy it immediately you see a price you like if you have fixed dates.
The only issue is that these cheap fares have rules that don't allow for free changes.
What flight are you looking at and what is the price?
Mar 10, 2013 | 6:27 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 120
It is the last week of September.
I know it is pretty early, but I just signed up for the United and AA cards, so I also have the minimum spends to hit, so I figured I could get it out of the way with this.
Mar 10, 2013 | 6:42 pm
#7
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 102,617
Pretty much. The conference I have to go to is hosted at the Hilton in Portland. They have a special rate of $185 a night for us, so 5 nights of that plus my flight needs to be under $1350 for me to get everything back.
It is the last week of September.
I know it is pretty early, but I just signed up for the United and AA cards, so I also have the minimum spends to hit, so I figured I could get it out of the way with this.
It is the last week of September.
I know it is pretty early, but I just signed up for the United and AA cards, so I also have the minimum spends to hit, so I figured I could get it out of the way with this.
It sounds like you're an academic or graduate student. Even if you must pay a little for this trip, it could be a good investment for your career.
Mar 10, 2013 | 7:21 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 120
It is a professional meeting, so it will be good to go, and I appreciate my employer paying what they do, but I'd like to keep my costs to a minimum since I just finished grad school in December. I might look into getting a cheap hotel for one or two of the nights. The conference takes place at the Hilton, but as long as I can find another hotel close I should be fine.
Mar 10, 2013 | 7:26 pm
#10
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 102,617
It is a professional meeting, so it will be good to go, and I appreciate my employer paying what they do, but I'd like to keep my costs to a minimum since I just finished grad school in December. I might look into getting a cheap hotel for one or two of the nights. The conference takes place at the Hilton, but as long as I can find another hotel close I should be fine.
Mar 10, 2013 | 8:49 pm
#11
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Washington State
Programs: Delta Platinum, Marriott Gold
Posts: 330
If you are at a state institution, look for a state government rate at the Hilton. Might be available at the Hilton even with the meeting going on (if you book early) and that rate is only about $140/night, I think.
Mar 11, 2013 | 9:24 am
#15
Join Date: Jun 2006
Programs: SPG Gold, Delta Platinum
Posts: 528
It's been my experience that prices don't just change depending on the week or month you purchase but can change significantly intra-day. Once I decide my dates and how much I'm willing to spend I'll check the airline site several times a day and grab it when it shows my price. For my most recent reservation, SYR-MAD, the afternoon price was almost twice the morning price to sit up front. Luckily I had grabbed the morning price. It's annoying to have to do this but can save a lot of money.