Am I better off purchasing airfares months before flying?

Question

I am looking at airfares, but not planning on flying for 10 months. Will they be cheaper now or closer to the date. Are there last minute deals?

Answer 1

There is no 100% answer to your question.  It really depends upon the markets.  Take a look at the "fare history" on Kayak.  You can see what the typical fare has been in a market over the past few months.  That will give you a clue as to whether you should buy now or wait.

To a point, its a game.  Airline revenue systems typically do not begin to evaluate a particular route until 90 days prior to departure.  At the 90 day out point, the reservation system may release more 'cheap' seats to fill it, which would lead to last minute deals.  

All things considered (& under the knowledge that airlines are still reducing capacity), I would buy it now just so that you can guarantee yourself a seat.  Prior to putting down your credit card, just check with the airline about their policy of price adjustments.  Sometimes if you buy now and the price goes down, say four months from now, you may be eligible for a future travel credit for the difference.  You would be responsible for checking on any fare changes though!  

Good luck!

Answer 2

last minute deals are defo cheaper, I went to Malta- booked a week before and got my flight £90 retern! hope this helps, O yer, try travel republic.com x

Answer 3

Most airline fares start going up about 20-30 days before the departure date. But if you're not planning to travel for another ten months, there will most likely be no change in the price of the airfare between now and 9 months from now.

The biggest effect on the price will be the days of the week that you travel. If your dates are flexible, good (cheap) travel days are Saturday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  

Answer 4

I've always heard that you shouldn't buy a ticket any more than 3 months out...

Answer 5

If you are trying to get to a specific place, it is best to buy as soon as you can.

You can hopefully always cancel one ticket and get a cheaper one later.

But No, there are not any last minute deals unless you don't care where you are going.

It also depends on where you are going.  When buying tickets to Hawaii this summer, the tickets were $200 more a month before the flight than they were when i purchased them 5 months ahead.