How to get the best airfare deals?

Anin100

Hello everybody,

we're thinking about our summer holiday and I was wondering what we can do to save as much money as possible for the flights.
What do you think is the better way - to book as early as possible or "last minute". How is your experience?

Best regards

Anin

paul · Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2009 10:29 am Post subject:

It's usually (but not always) best to book early. Many airlines (less so for the budget ones) will allow you to book up to 330 days in advance.

Also make sure you sign up to newsletters of airlines that cover the route you wish to travel. This way you have a chance of being informed of any special offers.

Paul
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Bendie · Chief Steward Joined: 23 Jul 2006 Posts: 117 130 ants

Hi, do not leave the booking to the last minute, otherwise you'll pay a fortune. I'd wait for a special offer and buy at that time. Most of the airlines offer special prices now and then and it really pays off to wait for them. Good luck with finding the best bargain Wink

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Airfare deals

Anin100 · Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2009 1:12 pm Post subject:

Hello Bendie and Paul,
thanks for your reply. I also would prefer to book the flights as soon as possible. Just to be on the safe side.
One of my friends told me that she always books her flights very late and that she never had problems.
I'm also not sure if we should book the flights online or not?
I think we'll get a better discount when book them over tourists agency - and of course a better consultations?

paul · Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2009 2:35 pm Post subject:

Why do you think you'll get a better discount that way?

And your friend might not have any problems with booking, she may just be paying a premium to do so.
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Bendie · Chief Steward Joined: 23 Jul 2006 Posts: 117 130 ants

I agree with Paul, there's usually a premium price for last minute bookings. I prefer to book my tickets directly at the airline's website, usually the price is better this way because you don't pay unnecessary surcharges.
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Airfare deals

patricia23 · Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 3:24 am Post subject:

I got best airfare deals if I book early about (2 to 3 months)
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patricia23 · Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 4:46 am Post subject:

Do make sure you book your flight at least 14 days before your departure date otherwise the ticket price goes up.
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Red Tape · Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 3:30 pm Post subject:

ticket prices generally are more expensive less than 14 days out, but that is not the case all of the time. Sometimes you can get lucky...but if you don't get lucky, you'll pay for it.

There is no site on the net that can deliver the best price every time all of the time.
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patricia23 · Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2009 10:30 pm Post subject:

^Hmm??? You have a point... How about if I go to travel agencies to book for myself?
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ihhello · Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 9:30 pm Post subject: Buy directly from airline

My recommendation would be to locate the cheapest airline,
which provide the flight to your destination
(you can do this via some online booking agency) and
then visit the primary airline website.

If the price on the primary airline website is higher
than on online travel agency, then contact your
travel agent, so that he/she may look into
air consolidator offers.

Cheers,
Ivo
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samwalker16 · Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2010 4:38 pm Post subject:

Well obviously, if you are looking for cheap flights and want to save moeny , then you have to book 3-4 months earlier for the flights, advance booking is always a cheaper method to book flights, however it depends on dates on which you are traveling but still it's the best way to book flights.

All the best, hope you will get the best price.

Sam
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Frank Wilson · Flight Steward Joined: 16 Jun 2010 Posts: 74 96 ants

Book well ahead, Keep looking for price online, There can be offers suddenly
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jim25 · Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2010 9:51 am Post subject:

I know the general feeling is book early which is generally true but when it comes to flights and holiday spaces if there not full you can pick up some great bargains by leaving it to the last minute.
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