When To Book Dec/Jan Travel
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Programs: Krisflyer, Asia Miles
Posts: 115
When To Book Dec/Jan Travel
I'll be heading to the US and Canada in Dec/Jan and will need to fly from LAX to YYC around 6 December and from YYC to either YVR or Victoria (sorry don't know the code) around 2 January.
A number of people that I have spoken to here in Australia (even travel agents) have actually recommended Westjet as a better choice over AC.
Have looked at their website and understandably at this time only regular prices are shown with what it looks like the current seat sale finishing on flights up to about the end of October.
How early/late should I make a booking for these flights. Is Dec/Jan a particluarlay busy period for flights to and within Canada.
Cheers
A number of people that I have spoken to here in Australia (even travel agents) have actually recommended Westjet as a better choice over AC.
Have looked at their website and understandably at this time only regular prices are shown with what it looks like the current seat sale finishing on flights up to about the end of October.
How early/late should I make a booking for these flights. Is Dec/Jan a particluarlay busy period for flights to and within Canada.
Cheers
#3
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: YYJ
Programs: Aeroplan, Priority Club, National Exec Elite, Hertz #1 Gold, Avis First, Thrifty Bluechip
Posts: 1,924
I've never flown WestJet into the US, but for domestic bookings I rarely book more than a month ahead. I find a month is about the threshold between booking too close and paying more, or booking too far in advance and paying more.
Also, even if it says "Seat Sale Fare" in bright colours, doesn't necessarily mean it's the best price. For YYC-YVR I'd be wanting to pay no more than $99, to YYJ (Victoria) is usually $5-10 more. I've gotten as low as $79 on that route, and being that it's Christmastime it could go to around $119. Definately don't pay more than that.
Cheers!
Also, even if it says "Seat Sale Fare" in bright colours, doesn't necessarily mean it's the best price. For YYC-YVR I'd be wanting to pay no more than $99, to YYJ (Victoria) is usually $5-10 more. I've gotten as low as $79 on that route, and being that it's Christmastime it could go to around $119. Definately don't pay more than that.
Cheers!
#4
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,125
Early December is low season. The best deals are usually offered starting 4 to 6 weeks before the flight date. Start looking at fares sometime in October, and check every few days until you see a good offer (the fares for a particular flight sometimes change several times per week). You shouldn't have a problem getting a seat, and if by some freakish twist of fate West Jet is busy on Dec. 6 (which is quite unlikely), there are plenty of other airlines you can use to get between LAX and YYC.
January 2 is completely different. It is the end of the Christmas holidays and one of the busiest times of the year for airlines in Canada. You are unlikely to get a seat sale on that flight. Fares usually start creeping upwards as flights fill up sometime towards the end of Sptember, although that is just a rough guideline. If you see a reasonable deal for that flight, buy it.
January 2 is completely different. It is the end of the Christmas holidays and one of the busiest times of the year for airlines in Canada. You are unlikely to get a seat sale on that flight. Fares usually start creeping upwards as flights fill up sometime towards the end of Sptember, although that is just a rough guideline. If you see a reasonable deal for that flight, buy it.
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Programs: Krisflyer, Asia Miles
Posts: 115
Book AC now or wait for WS
Just checked Air Canada and they currently are offering LAX/YYC for $154 USD per person (inclusive taxes) compared with $272 USD on WestJet.
Is this a good price, or should I hold off until later this year and hopefully get a seat sale on WestJet?
Being from Australia and not flown either, is one airline better than the other?
Is this a good price, or should I hold off until later this year and hopefully get a seat sale on WestJet?
Being from Australia and not flown either, is one airline better than the other?
#9
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 8,002
AC - if you collect *A frequent flyer points.
- if you like video on demand programming
- free advance seat selection if you book in the tango plus fare column.
Operates E190/A319/320.
WS - if you like live TV.
Operates B737s.
Both charge for headsets. Both will give you a drink & snack. Both have buy on board.
If you don't care about any of the above, it's all flight times & pricing.
- if you like video on demand programming
- free advance seat selection if you book in the tango plus fare column.
Operates E190/A319/320.
WS - if you like live TV.
Operates B737s.
Both charge for headsets. Both will give you a drink & snack. Both have buy on board.
If you don't care about any of the above, it's all flight times & pricing.