I have spent hours checking flights schedules and prices connections etc. and since 3 days ago prices have gone up $200 approx per ticket. Are computers tracking your searches and adjusting their prices up intentionally? Seems that way.
Any advice on a good travel agent?
oh my...seriously???
Two things: For some reason, I have often seen airfare priced higher when I do my search on a week-end, then it may back down a bit if I look on a Tues or Wed. and I do mean the day I LOOK (not the for day I want to leave per se). If you're pricing for the coming European travel season, yep, prices are rising... and won't be coming back down unless there's a seat sale maybe in April-May. Maybe. Expect to pay in the $1400-1600-plus range if you're not leaving from a hub city.
HarLyn, the price may be down by $300 in 3 days... Don't spend 3 seconds of your life trying to figure out airline prices - seriously. There are 'some' strategies you can try (mentioned above) but basically watch them often as soon as you know you're traveling - daily, at least. Then, when you're comfortable with the price, pounce! And NEVER check those prices again! They WILL go down some (and up, but you'll forget those times LOL), and you'll make yourself sick... If you see a price you like, but can't buy immediately (want to check with your spouse, don't have your credit card handy, need to rush off to work, etc.) then "Save" your reservation; typically, you can save a reservation for 24 hours or so...depends on the airline. Don't count on being able to make a quick trip to the restroom and then go back to your computer and buy at the price you JUST saw...it very well may be GONE. It's happened to me, it's happened to many others on the Helpline. We just pounced, ourselves, today. We're done checking prices...;-) Now it's time to fret over hotel prices...