buy now or later for Lisbon in July

What is their change policy?

On some airlines, I buy when the price looks good, if the price gets better, I rebook at no cost, take the difference as an e-credit, not a problem since I fly a few times a year.

But right now is within the recommended window to buy for July, if you are comfortable with the price, go for it, and stop looking if you can't change.

Buy now, and make your wife happy.

Buy later, as long as you are prepared to possibly pay more to make your wife happy.

We purchased our tickets from TAP for July in December. I was worried about it being too early but we bought the fully refundable version any way.

I haven't been methodical about checking but have checked a few times now and the price has only gone up, sometimes a lot, ans then come back down but still more expensive than we paid.

We got good seats and it's something we don't have to worry about now. I don't know how much of a hassle getting a credit would be if prices drop 100 euros or maybe 200, but for me, the piece of mind has been worth it.

Everyone 's comfort level is different

We always buy at around 3 weeks before departure time (sometimes 4, sometimes 2).

If prices are really outrageous, we move on to Plan B (there is so much to see)

This is for travel to Europe and Asia from JFK/EWR.

But again, everyone's comfort level and style/approach is different.

I have found when booking for Portugal (TAP or AzoresAirlines, prices are cheaper the further out you book (6 months in advance being the sweet spot). The closer you get to the dates you want the higher prices get

Ex. Looked toronto to Lisbon for end of March back in December and flights were 589 round trip with TAP. By Feb they were 789. Finally booked last week at 1089.

Just checked for end of July and it's going for 889. Pretty sure by time I book and finalize it end of April it will be over 1K