When to purchase airline tickets?
Jan 13th, 2007, 11:10 AM
#1
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When to purchase airline tickets?
We are traveling from SF to Rome, then home from Naples to SF this summer. Airfares are high and I'm tempted to wait and see if they come down but I need six tickets on the same flight. How long would you risk waiting? I am not a frequent traveler, and this is the first time my husband and I are taking the family... I'd love to find tickets around $1,000 - right now they are between $1,250 and $1,500. Any suggestions or advice on how long to wait before booking? Thanks!
Jan 13th, 2007, 11:20 AM
#2
For six tickets I sure wouldn't wait very long.
But you can try some tricks -
Look at prices connecting through some intermediate hub - New York, Dublin, maybe London (ugh), Amsterdam... Italy seems disproportionaltely expensive compared to other parts of Europe, while intra-European flights can be good bargains.
By "connecting" I mean separate tickets - SF to London, say, then openjaw London - Rome // Naples - London. You need to make sure there's plenty of time for connections, since missing the first European flight because of late arrival of the transatlantic flight means you're sunk, ditto coming back.
As for the question of prices coming down, what do you think the odds are that gasoline will be cheaper in the summer than now? Might, might not... in the words of a former SF cop named Harry, do you feel lucky?
But you can try some tricks -
Look at prices connecting through some intermediate hub - New York, Dublin, maybe London (ugh), Amsterdam... Italy seems disproportionaltely expensive compared to other parts of Europe, while intra-European flights can be good bargains.
By "connecting" I mean separate tickets - SF to London, say, then openjaw London - Rome // Naples - London. You need to make sure there's plenty of time for connections, since missing the first European flight because of late arrival of the transatlantic flight means you're sunk, ditto coming back.
As for the question of prices coming down, what do you think the odds are that gasoline will be cheaper in the summer than now? Might, might not... in the words of a former SF cop named Harry, do you feel lucky?
Jan 13th, 2007, 11:22 AM
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If you need everybody in the same flight on a specific, set date, then you don't have flexibility to play with and should start making reservations pronto. I would wait NLT end Feb 2007. That said, it seems that August fares to/from Italy have been pretty good the last 3-4 years. Is that when you are traveling?
Jan 13th, 2007, 11:28 AM
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Thanks for the replies - we are traveling the middle of June for 3 weeks. Our dates are pretty firm because we are meeting up with other family members for a sort of family reunion.
Guess I'll need to get creative... I had looked into ryanair for intra-european flights - any other suggestions, as it doesn't look like they fly out of Naples?
Thanks much!
Guess I'll need to get creative... I had looked into ryanair for intra-european flights - any other suggestions, as it doesn't look like they fly out of Naples?
Thanks much!
Jan 19th, 2007, 01:26 PM
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miz - Again, you can fly to Rome from the DC area for <$700 on your dates. For example, KLM for $673.51.
But if you really have to limit yourself to USAirways non-stop from PHL or Continental from EWR, then you might as well buy the $861 on USAirways right now.
Sorry, but if one's non-flexible with dates or itineraries, then it's very hard to get the best fares.
But if you really have to limit yourself to USAirways non-stop from PHL or Continental from EWR, then you might as well buy the $861 on USAirways right now.
Sorry, but if one's non-flexible with dates or itineraries, then it's very hard to get the best fares.
Jan 19th, 2007, 04:58 PM
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EUROFLY operates out of Naples. Not sure if it flies anywhere other than New York area in the U.S., but it's worth a try!
Also I'm pretty sure that ALPI EAGLES ( low-cost carrier) and EASY JET fly out of Naples. YOu can check Whichbudget.com to find out for sure.
On the inbound flights, I would try to avoid connecting in London if at all possible. It is nightmarish!
Also I'm pretty sure that ALPI EAGLES ( low-cost carrier) and EASY JET fly out of Naples. YOu can check Whichbudget.com to find out for sure.
On the inbound flights, I would try to avoid connecting in London if at all possible. It is nightmarish!
