How many days in advance should i buy my flight tickets?

Question

Hello
I am going to Denmark with my girlfriend around June 19th for about 2 weeks. I have gone many times before and i usually wait until 6 weeks before to buy the tickets.

It has been a while since i been traveling so i dont know if it has changed. How long do you guys wait until you will get the best deal. I would hate to wait too long and only have the ticket prices increase.

I am departing from San Francisco (SFO) and arriving in Copenhagen (CPH).
I would like to leave around June 19th and stay for about 2 weeks until around July 4th

Answer 1

I found that sometimes you get the best way is to call airlines direct. Sometimes the internet is cheaper, sometimes the phone operators are cheaper. Check out both to make sure you get the best deal. There are a few other simple suggestions you should follow too:

-- Choose the same airline for all legs of your itinerary whenever possible so you can take advantage of all connecting and round-trip airfares.

-- Try to fly on the least popular days: Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday.

-- Remember that Saturday night stays are usually required for most bargain airfares.

-- Try to select the least popular flight times: mid-morning or late evening.

-- Check with discount airlines for cheaper fares.

-- Try to book as far in advance as possible. Generally try to purchase your tickets at least 21 days in advance of departure. Many airlines also have specials requiring three-, seven- or 14-day advance purchase. International flights should try to be booked at least 2 months in advance for the best rates though.

-- In general, the cheapest airfares are available in the spring and summer.

-- If you travel around the holidays, book your departure and return flights a day or more before and after peak travel dates. If you're flexible, you might benefit by waiting until the last minute to book your flight because major carriers often run special sales. These sales, however, often have a long list of rules, restrictions and blackout dates.

--Consider booking tickets that come with restrictions because they also come with a cheaper price tag.

-- Consider using alternate airports near your desired airport. The extra drive can save you hundreds of dollars.

--Be as flexible as possible with your dates.


If I can be of more assistance to you, please feel free to contact me and I'll do my best to help you out.

Answer 2

Generally speaking, yes, it's a better bet to lock in cheaper prices earlier than later. Edit your question to add where you're travelling from and how long you need to stay, and I'll try to check back later and offer something more useful.

------ thanks for adding your itinerary

Last summer, Icelandair was competing out of SFO, and fares were a little bit cheaper than what I see for this summer (Icelandair is not returning to SFO this year).

I checked ITASotware, Orbitz Flex, and BookingBuddy around your travel dates, and best published fare turns up at $1229. Expanding your search to San Jose, Sacramento, Reno, Oakland, and Malmo airports turned up $1109 San Jose to Malmo.

Other strategies:
Consider travelling via a cheaper intermediate city. For example, Manchester is coming up $772 roundtrip; add CPH from MAN for another $230-ish, so you'd be looking at just over $1000 if the flight times are compatible with both flights via Manchester.

Also, try consolidators such as Flights.com, Justfares.com and Travelteam.com to see if you can do better than $1000. God tur.

Answer 3

you should purchase your tickets as soon as possible, if you wait the ticket price goes up as the seats fill. supply and demand, the fewer seats there are the more expensive they will be.

6 weeks is a pretty good rule for international travel, if you were a domestic traveler I would say at least a month.

Answer 4

I would buy ASAP!
I have a little travel blog that will help you! Use the Kayak bar on the right and you'll find a cheap fare!

I also have a few post about how arifare prices are to Europe at different points in the year. I hope it helps!

http://besttravelsearch.blogspot.com/...

Answer 5

These days the best deal seems to be the earlier you buy than later. As soon as your travel plans are fixed would be the best time to get those tickets.

Answer 6

perfect time is 6-8 months in strengthen. you ought to purchase a cost ticket this on the fringe of once you want to leave, only assume the cost to be very very severe priced. in truth, you are able to actual pay more suitable on your coach seat than someone who bought organization or firstclass tickets properly in strengthen.