I missed some good deals a couple of months back when flights were around $700 (some were even less) rountrip during the off season. I wasn't financially ready to purchase my ticket then. Now that I am ready to purchase, the prices have reached $800 or more. I am flying open jaw in February (into Rome, out of Paris). Last time I went to Europe in the off season I bought my ticket 4 months prior and got a very good deal (~$600-$700). I have 6 months until my trip. Any chance these prices will come down between now and then? Or should I just force myself to pay the extra $100 or so? Thanks!
Posted by
Springfield, VA, USA
283 posts
I just looked at the seating for our flight to Paris next Friday (4th) and coach did not have one empty seat.
I buy tickets way ahead of time, because I can't make my other plans until I have the flight booked: rent a house or apartment, get a good deal on car rental, etc.
It just depends on how you plan and how you want to travel.
Posted by
Des Moines, IA
2193 posts
It’s a tough call, but I would advise you to wait and start tracking it daily on the site(s) of your choice. I might recommend www.kayak.com or www.skyscanner.net. When you find a fare that meets all of your needs, buy it without hesitation right now. Don’t wait for a better deal. Double-check the airline’s website just to ensure you’re getting the best fare. Revenue per passenger is way off and demand is still weak…this isn’t going to change anytime soon. The pressure may force lower fares between now and February. You’ve got plenty of time to play with.
Posted by
Freedonia
16285 posts
I just got an email from AA saying they were putting Europe on sale. Wait. If summer turns out to be as bad as they thought, and the off season looks bad, they'll lower prices.
I personally wouldn't buy tickets this far in advance.
Posted by
OP
Pico Rivera, CA
594 posts
Yeah, see I had the same feeling. I just have a gut feeling they will come down. I'm just getting impatient LOL.
Posted by
OP
Pico Rivera, CA
594 posts
BTW Frank, what do you mean by bad?
Posted by
Pantego, NC, USA
1014 posts
Sign up for a fare watching web site such as Airfarewatchdog.com or hotwire.com, etc. There are more. That way, when the price drops, they will notify you by email.
Posted by
Freedonia
16285 posts
Tourism is down in Europe this summer...Spain and France are really seeing it. (Paris is down 11% compared to last year.) The forecast does not look like it will pick up anytime soon. They're hoping by next year's summer season but doubtful in this coming off-season.
Paris is even changing its shopping laws allowing stores to open for extended hours on Sundays hoping it will encourage tourists to stay longer and shop.
Posted by
Freedonia
16285 posts
Sue, I'm not surprised your flight next Friday has no seats available--it's Labor Day weekend.
Posted by
OP
Pico Rivera, CA
594 posts
Thank you all for your suggestions. I'm a big fan of sidestep.com (much like kayak). I just wanted reassurance and popular opinion that the prices would indeed eventually come down.