We are looking to go see family in late November, over Thanksgiving and the first week of December. We will probably fly from LAX to Brussels and then out of Frankfurt, Zurich or Paris depending on fares. It seems like all fares are currently about $300-$400 each way, but I know that I have seen much, much lower fares in the past. I know guessing the airline fare game is difficult, but can experienced travelers let me know what time of year the good winter sales usually start coming out?
Posted by
Denver, CO, USA
1556 posts
I'm no expert but in general, once we are past Labor day, the fall season fare sales generally show up. However, continue to look all the time as things pop up.
Posted by
Des Moines, IA
2193 posts
I’ve been tracking fares for weeks for several locations I’m considering during the same time period, and while they’ve already started to trend a little lower, they’re still $200 more than they were for the same period last year. I’m guessing the fare for your itinerary is currently around $850 plus. It may go down a bit, and I might suggest keeping an eye on it without committing just yet. Don’t wait too long, however, because November is right around the corner & nobody knows for sure what these fares will do. We do know that the airlines have cut capacity to keep planes full and prices high…all of the flights I’ve been on this year have been completely full. Good luck!
Posted by
winston salem, nc, usa
1078 posts
The fares around Thanksgiving usually bump up from the fares that are available +/- 10 days either side.
If you can do that, you might be able to save on one leg.
FYI, I usually do a business trip somewhere between the middle of October to mid November, and have hit lows in the $750's, fees included.
Posted by
St Petersburg Florida
951 posts
I had been tracking fares for my Italy trip since January. I purchased mine in June, for $686 leaving Nov 25, returning Dec 11. My trip could have been cheaper flying into Zurich but that would have been extra hassle and travel time to get to Italy. I did note that I could have flown into Zurich R/T from Tampa for $550 at one point on Delta. They are now $669. Besides a 1 week sale from KLM where tickets were $425, that has been the cheapest I have seen for a winter sale. I am wondering if the winter fare sales have already passed. So far, I have not seen my flight be any cheaper than what I purchased it for. Like I said early on, I have been watching airfare like a hawk for months. I feel I took the bait at the right time. my current fare is now up to $867. I am glad I got it when I could.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, us
11 posts
It's worth it to sign up for British Airlines and Air France websites to push you the advertising. Then you will know when the real sales hit, which I think is September.