How Far in Advance to Book Air Travel

Generally, 1 to 3 months out for domestic; 2 to 8 months for international flights. Setting up alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner and/or choosing refundable fares can be helpful. As long as you don't pick a basic economy ticket that doesn't allow for changes or refunds, you may get flight credit with the airline if you find the price dropped on the itinerary.

I agree with Theresa. If it's international travel, now would be a good time to start looking at schedules and fares on a search engine like Google Flights, and setting up price alerts for those that might work for you. I've generally found the best transatlantic fares 4-6 months out. Hopefully you can look for more than just the lowest price, keeping in mind the added value of fewer (or no) stops, convenience of departure and arrival times, and ability to make changes if necessary.

When you find flights and a fare that work for you, it's best to book directly with the airline so you can deal more easily with any changes or problems that might happen. And (non-credentiialed psychological advice alert) once you've booked, don't keep looking back for fare changes if your underlying plans haven't changed. Keep your mind on the future.

We flew to Scotland from Seattle on Icelandair, with stops in Reykjavik. Though Reykjavik airport is no longer the delight it was once, we were glad to avoid London or other European hubs.

I also agree with setting up fare alerts on several options that would work for you. If you are notified about a price drop that suits you, don't wait more than a few hours to book it (they will disappear that fast, for real).

Ordinarily I would agree with not looking back after you book, but I would check occasionally as if you do book an eligible fare with some airlines they will give you a travel credit for a price reduction. Read the terms of the credit carefully though, as with Delta for example they expire within one year of when the credit is granted and applies only to the named person on the ticket.

We are visiting England and Scotland in May 2027 and I purchased our flights in early September this year—so about 8 months out. Google flights was showing the tickets to be $600-700 under the “usual” and I was happy with the price. I admit I’m a bit obsessive about getting the flights and hotels booked right away. I don’t recheck prices, but I do check my reservations from time to time to make sure they’re still there.

I usually buy international flights the day they become available, which is 330 days in advance (of your return). I won't fly without extra legroom, and those seats go fast. I check prices periodically, and never found them lower.

Though Reykjavik airport is no longer the delight it was once ...

Dick, I know exactly what you mean. I was there in 2018 and loved the airport. It was small and charming, I even was able to buy some wool socks in the cozy gift shop on my way home during a one hour layover. It was so easy to get around.

My recent trip, though, was a mess. It's probably three or four times the size it once was, and was so crowded and chaotic. I guess it reflects the number of people that now go through there, but it's a bit sad.