Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Dyedinthewoolliberal

(15,913 posts)
Thu Feb 13, 2014, 10:03 PM Feb 2014

Experienced travelers

I need some suggestions, ideas etc.
Is it cheaper to buy airline tickets closer to the date I want to fly (June 21), or should I buy now? I'm flying to Toronto to connect to Scotland! That part is already taken care of. I just have to get to that airport on that sate at a certain time. What does your experience suggest?

8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Experienced travelers (Original Post) Dyedinthewoolliberal Feb 2014 OP
Study the rates from time to time beginning now. elleng Feb 2014 #1
I'm taking my camera! Dyedinthewoolliberal Feb 2014 #3
I sure hope you are!!! elleng Feb 2014 #5
It depends on a lot of things Major Nikon Feb 2014 #2
Good Dyedinthewoolliberal Feb 2014 #4
The three-four week rule is for domestic flights ginnyinWI Feb 2014 #6
absolutely not!!! DrDan Mar 2014 #7
thanks! Dyedinthewoolliberal Mar 2014 #8

elleng

(136,071 posts)
1. Study the rates from time to time beginning now.
Thu Feb 13, 2014, 10:06 PM
Feb 2014

Some airlines, maybe all, won't sell you until a certain # days before, but you can start studying so you'll know what the market generally demands.

Have a GREAT time! Scotland is GREAT! More rainbows than you'll ever see!!!

Major Nikon

(36,900 posts)
2. It depends on a lot of things
Thu Feb 13, 2014, 10:08 PM
Feb 2014

But my experience overall has been that buying tickets too early or too late usually results in higher prices. The sweet spot seems to be about 3-4 weeks out.

ginnyinWI

(17,276 posts)
6. The three-four week rule is for domestic flights
Fri Feb 14, 2014, 10:03 AM
Feb 2014

For international, you start looking right away but don't buy before 3 1/2 months out. I just bought tickets for Germany at the end of May, and they have been rising ever since.

By the way, be sure to to to Icelandair and compare prices with the others. They are often the cheapest and are not included in sites like Orbitz or Kayak.

DrDan

(20,411 posts)
7. absolutely not!!!
Wed Mar 5, 2014, 09:35 AM
Mar 2014

The most expensive day to buy tickets is 1 day before travel.

The second most expensive day is 2 days before travel.

The third most expensive day is 3 days before travel.

We are planning on travel to London on June 20. April 1 is my "magic" day.

There are several good analyses of travel purchase days available on-line. I may have one or two bookmarked - I will check.

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Travel»Experienced travelers