know anything bout airfare?

[TheSmiths]

Just was wondering bout prices, I don't know if the price goes down closer to the present day or should tickets be booked months in advance ? We are flying out of Edmonton. AB and flying to Charleston SC. for a march cruise, any help or experience would be appreciated thanks Brian

[Donna]

I would start checking as soon as they publish the fares for next March.... Have you already looked at flights and times??

[DougR.]

The only thing predictable about airfares are their unpredictability. I would establish in my mind what a reasonable price is and book accordingly. Some of the online sites are offering a limited price guarantee in that if another customer books the same itenerary at a lower price they will refund the difference. Generally, when you get within 30 to 40 days of travel prices tend to rise.

[Mike M]

Originally Posted by TheSmiths

Just was wondering bout prices, I don't know if the price goes down closer to the present day or should tickets be booked months in advance ? We are flying out of Edmonton. AB and flying to Charleston SC. for a march cruise, any help or experience would be appreciated thanks Brian

Airfare is the trickiest part of booking a cruise. You can find a deal or blow your cruise budget on the air portion. Often the airfare can cost more than the cruise itself.

My advice is that as soon as fares are posted start looking. Check multiple times in at least a one month period and when you find a fare that YOU feel comfortable with then book it. You will probably see the airfare lower at some point in the future but you will also see it higher.

Many airlines (Delta, American) and travel websites offer price protection. Find out if it is offered and use that as a factor in your purchase. With the airlines you have to watch the fares because they won't watch them for you.

When searching for flights I look at the major search engines like: Orbitz, Travelocity, Cheapflights, Qixo and check their prices. If I see a good price I go directly to the offering airline's website and book it through them. You will at least save the booking fee that many travel sites charge.

Good luck in your quest,
Mike

[Cruznut2]

I know a site where the airlines post their unadvertised specials, not sure I can post the link here. I have seen fares as low as $28 rt. Not kidding, I heard about this wesite on the news recently.Major Airlines.

Laura

[jaxon]

I don't know why you shouldn't be able to post the link here, Laura.
To the OP use Yapta.com or Farecompare to start your monitoring process. They will send alerts and you don't need to monitor daily -- you don't buy through them.