Is it better to buy plane tickets early or wait until closer to your departure date?

Question

Is it better to buy plane tickets early or wait until closer to your departure date?

Answer 1

This is a bit of a toss up and a bit like buying stocks.  Do you prefer the comfort of knowing you have a ticket?  If so, then buy early.  (Just becasue you buy early does not necessarily mean the price will be higher.)

If you don't mind waiting and taking a chance then do so.  (Just because you wait does not mean the price will necessarily be higher.)

As you get closer you will be looking for last minute deals and may be using a consolidator.  These are all ok to use.  However, you will want to be sure to check the restrictions that apply.  Very often with last minute deals there are extravagant change fees and limits as to departure/arrival times.  (Consolidators have gotten a bit of a bad rap because of bankruptcy concerns, but you can check with a travel agent to see that the consolidator is reliable and has protection for such exigencies.)

If you are flexible with travel dates and duration, then you might find a nice deal by adjusting your dates and even having more stops in between.  (This by the way can also be a way for you to gain some benefit from your mileage program--check it and see if it awards you for 'segments'.)

Thomas Talboy, PhD, Director

Ubiquity International, LLC

Experience. Explore. Embrace the World.(TM)

http://www.ubiquityinternational.com