Booking flights - Does it matter what day you do it?

[jaylek55]

I plan on making a trip to Germany in November and have been checking out prices. I've noticed however that between yesterday and today, the price of a return-trip jumped $50 bucks. Is this normal? Or does it have something to do with the day you book it? Any nuggets of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Atrail]

The closer the departure date gets, the ticket prices tend to increase. If you have to leave this Friday for a trip, you could have ordered the same ticket for several hunderd less two or three weeks in advance. This just my general exp. with AA. Not taking into consideration get away fares that are released on Wed. or Thur.

 

[amnesiac]

Try hotwire or priceline for the best price especially if its a long trip and times don't matter.
Bidding for Travel is helpful too.

 

[jaylek55]

Atrail - What exactly do you mean by "get away fares"?

 

[Atrail]

My local TV news station has some guru come on Wed or Thur and give hot travel specials that the airlines are offering. Usually you leave that weekend and come back Monday or Sunday, to places like Cancun or the Virign Islands, but they have had specials to Europe before. You can find them online if you know where to go (I don't). That clearer?

 

[jaylek55]

Clear as glass. Thanks for the info.

 

[james78]

if you're planning on booking UAL then check to see if it is cheaper on their International sites. The last time I booked it was $100 cheaper to book on the UK or French site than the US site

 

[weezergirl]

generally if you travel on tuesday or wednesday it's cheaper.

 

[RossMAN]

Usually Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday departures with at least one Saturday stay and at least 21 day advance will get you the best price.

Unless you're me