I have been looking at several posts about airfare to Europe. I've also read the tips from the Rick Steves' website. Often, people will say to be ready to buy when you find a "good deal". I'm wondering what more seasoned travelers think is a "good deal". We will be traveling to Europe in September 2016 and will be booking a multi city ticket from Seattle to London for departure and Paris to Seattle for return. I am seeing a price of 1212 with 120 each way for Econ Plus, so total of 1452. The great thing about this fare is that it is nonstop each way. This is very close to our last year's airfare to Spain and return from Switzerland, which we purchased 6 months out. It seems tempting to buy and get this task done and we do have travel insurance. Originally I was planning to buy closer to Feb 2016. I know there are many varied opinions and that this is not an exact science, but it often helps to hear how others have managed "when to buy". Thanks for any insights!
Posted by
Green Bay
20089 posts
If you are happy with it, buy it and don't look back.
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
That airfare sounds ok to me. I fly from the west coast, too, and would consider that good enough for my money.
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
4320 posts
Remember all the taxes and fees that will be added
Posted by
California USA
3952 posts
We too fly from the west coast but usually more in July-August when fares are at their peak. Since we retired last year we are just exploring this shoulder season for late summer 2016. For August or early September this seems like a good fare to me with 4 things going for it: 1. Nonstop, 2. Open jaw to save you $ from backtracking, 3. Economy plus is inexpensive, 4. The the time and route you want are still available!
Are you looking at 330 days out at flights up to September 18 on Air France? If these are your dated, requirements and route, this looks like a very reasonable airfare to me.
Posted by
Midwest
2768 posts
That seems good to me from the west coast, especially for non-stop. I would probably buy it. Yes, it could drop some, but it could also rise and if you are happy with the cost don't worry about the potential for price drops. I've said a few times that lately I've seen really good fares listed early. I seem to remember that it used to be very expensive to buy almost a year in advance, but my anecdotal experience is that now early can be just as good as later.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
7283 posts
HI, I'm from the Seattle area, too, and that sounds like a good price. An advantage is that you could score with the front row seats of Economy Plus if you book early.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23267 posts
.....Remember all the taxes and fees that will be added......
There should be no added fees unless you add something. All fares quoted by US airlines must include all taxes and fees. Actually I think that is a pretty good price especially for non-stop.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16265 posts
We have flown from Seattle to Europe many times and never paid less than $1400 for Economy ( not Economy Plus) at high season ( May thru late August). And that was ten years ago ( now we fly with miles) so prices are generally higher now.
So that looks like a very good price to me, especially for direct flights.
Posted by
OP
Edmonds, WA
128 posts
Thanks to all who made quick replies to my question today. I was feeling good about the fare, but it is so nice to have that reinforced by others. I love this forum! I have received answers to other questions and have gotten some great ideas. Traveling is complicated and expensive, so it is helpful to gather advice and insights from fellow travelers. I think I will be taking the leap and booking this fare! Thanks again!
Posted by
Reno, NV, USA
2427 posts
That sounds like a good price to me.
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2788 posts
We flew from Seattle to Paris to Bulgaria and return during June and July of this year and paid $2137 for two of us - non-stop - high season and no Econ Ex. on Delta (for KLM).
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8142 posts
That flight's not going to sell out anytime soon and you have plenty of time to wait for better airfares. Why don't you go to matrix.itasoftware.com every couple of weeks and watch for better prices.
Airfares often change after the Christmas Holiday period--when all the airfare analysts get back on the job.
You're thinking right about flying non-stop when available. Those long flights take enough out of you, and lowest prices are not everything under some circumstances.
Make your purchase in February or March.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
I too think its a good price and I would buy it and not look back!
Posted by
Seattle
64 posts
Consider going out of/into Vancouver BC (YVR) - with the exchange rate these days (US $1.39 to CAD dollar), it can be a very good deal - non stop RT Paris in January $565.
From Seattle, you can take the Amtrak Cascades to Vancouver ($32 each way) and then jump on the Skytrain to the airport -
Posted by
Vacaville, Ca
1369 posts
Sometimes you're just lucky. I was tracking the direct flights from SFO - CDG with Air France for a few months for a 27 May departure & 5 June return. In Oct the price was over $1,900. In November the price went down to $1,527, so on 30 Nov I purchased. On 4 December Air France raised all their prices for the next 6 months ranging from $200 in Jan/Feb/Mar to $500 for Apr/May. They list their discounts 6 months out on their site. I just lucked out on buying when I did. I paid about $150 more than what it cost back in 2014.