How far in advance should I book?

[kenandlaura06]

Should I book flights as soon as the schedules come out for our cruise one year from now? Or, should I wait?

[doone]

Most airlines don't let you book until 331 days before your departure flight home. If you see a flight that you feel is reasonable, I say book it. With the cost of fuel these days, you just don't know what's going to happen with the flights.

[TrentS]

We always book as soon as possible to make sure we get the flights and times we want.

[H2O babe]

I usually book my air as soon as I can. I have never gotten burned with seeing a better price. It has always gone up. I do watch carefully though to make sure the airlines don't alter my flight schedules. If I'm cruising I go a day or two ahead of time of there is some leeway in my schedule. Good luck.

[kenandlaura06]

Thanks everyone--I think we will book ASAP--about a month or so from now.

[TDCRose]

I always book as soon as fares come out also. I just got burned, only sightly, this last time. I booked a flight from PHL to SAN back in Feb. for a trip this Dec. I watched the fare for about a week and it remained the same. The fare is now 25.00/pp cheaper today after being 200.00 more for the last month! I used FF miles for 2 free tickets and 100.00 off two tickets for my kids. If you get a fare which you believe to be a good deal, go for it. You can always contact the airline for a voucher for the difference if the flight price decrease. Unfortunately, the voucher are usually not combindable with FF miles or other offers. If my flight goes lower, I will ask for vouchers.

[Crescoia]

You can always contact the airline for a voucher for the difference if the flight price decrease.

 

I wasn't aware that you could do this. Do you know if all airlines honor this, and on all fare classes?

[kenandlaura06]

Good question---I would be surprised if all airlines offer this, but I hope they do!!!

[missjean]

It all depends on your experience with the airline. For my upcoming cruise (next month), I have to fly to Galveston and Southwest flies there. Being an experienced flier on Southwest I know that they tend to have these deals to almost all of their destinations.

 

I was so tempted to book a $139 one-way flight after a month or so of waiting, but after waiting a couple more weeks they lowered down to $89, so I saved $100 on my RT flight. American is the same with certain destinations. Good luck!

[kenandlaura06]

We will probably be flying American, as they look to be the major carrier between Boston and Miami---although we may look into Song and Jet Blue (which flies into FLL).

[TDCRose]

I have called the airlines in the past and as long as I have had a e ticket, they said they could issue a voucher. Of course, I did not have e tickets. I can't hurt to ask! I have read on other boards people receiving vouchers for the difference. Good Luck and have a great trip!

[kenandlaura06]

Thanks!

[Jdleong]

Has anyone received a voucher from AA if the fare went down??? I bought my tickets for next Spring, and with oil prices I was scared the prices would go up... but now there seems to be a lot of fare sales, at least till October