We are planning a trip to England, coming into Heathrow on April 23. We've been surprised at the cost of airfare from Boston to London - now $780. We have never purchased international tickets. We know airfare ups and downs are mostly a mystery, but would appreciate an opinion on the optimum time to buy. We thought we might see spring sales to Europe, but now getting nervous! Thank you for your advice.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5507 posts
You are right, the ups and downs are a mystery. $780 sounds like a decent price to me for a nonstop flight from the East Coast. I've travelled from DC to Europe in April or May for the last 6 years. One time (in 2009) I got a ticket for $500; that price was extremely good and I don't expect that to happen again. Every other year it has been between $700 and $900. It is impossible to predict. It could go down some, but it could just as easily go up a couple hundred dollars too.
Posted by
OP
Portland, OR, US
3 posts
Laura - thank you so much for this perspective, it really helps!
Posted by
Boston, MA
119 posts
I think that is a decent price from Boston to London. I paid $800 RT flying at the end of August this past year. Not sure if you want to change to Ireland, but I just got a great fare of $500 to Dublin from Boston on Aer Lingus! I wasn't planning a trip to Ireland, but when I saw the fare I couldn't pass it up!
Posted by
Land of La
8645 posts
Have you signed up on Kayak for price alerts yet? I'd either book now or give it two more weeks to see if prices go down. Some experts say that purchasing tickets 6 weeks before your travel date often (not always) generates cheaper fares. I believe ABC news did a spot on that recently. You might consider doing that if you have the patience or if you are nervous maybe it's best to book now so the worry is relieved. $780 is a fair price for the route. Have a wonderful trip to one of the greatest cities on the planet.
Posted by
OP
Portland, OR, US
3 posts
Thanks everyone for your great advice and good wishes! We did go ahead and buy the tickets at this price. Fares keep going up and we are too nervous to wait it out. Bonnie - Have wonderful trip to Dublin. It is high on my list and I hope to go one day.