Should I Wait to Purchase Airline Tickets?

Getting the best value either means lots of planning or none at all.

Book Early, Get the Flight

While airlines like Easyjet are known to give better prices when travelers book about 6 months in advance, this isn't the case everywhere. However, booking early means getting the seat you want. This is especially ideal when planning long flights. You may also start planning the rest of your trip much sooner, and it may be necessary for you to confirm time off from work months in advance.

There Are Last-Minute Deals

If you're not traveling during peak season, airlines may be looking to fill some empty seats one month or even one week in advance. These tickets are priced to sell. You may not find out about last-minute deals from the airlines themselves, so it's best to go through travel planning Websites. Keep in mind that you may not get to choose your seat, the date or the time.

Bottom Line

If you know six months prior to your departure that you'll be traveling on a certain date, it's best to book it in advance as well. Try different flight scenarios on different booking engines to compare prices. More importantly, be flexible with your travel dates. Consider flying midweek, rather than on weekends.

References

• Seat Guru: Guide to Booking the Best Airline Seats
• Kayak
• Last Minute
• Travelocity
• Easyjet

Resources

• Independent Traveler: Get the Best Airline Seat
• The Times: The best time to book flights online
• Travel News Daily: Does it matter anymore to buy an airline ticket in advance?
• Frommer's: How to Get the Best Seat on the Plane