PEdwards1

Fodor Friends,
The price of a flight (Tampa to Madrid) was $700 on Sunday, Feb 1. Since Monday, it has been $1150. Generally Madrid is less expensive than Rome but not now. What is going on? We are hoping to go in April and I need to book soon.
Are prices lower on the weekend? I am willing to play the "game" but need to know the rules. Thanks so much.

P_M

I've always heard the best time to book is mid-week but that is never a guarantee. It's just about impossible to know when a lower price will pop up. Keep watching the prices and book when you find a price that is comfortable. It might be wise to check prices from nearby cities, which in your case would be Orlando. If the difference is great enough it might be worth a drive. Good luck.

NewbE

<I am willing to play the "game" but need to know the rules.>
Would that were rules!

Try deleting your cookies and searching again. No one can say for certain how the airlines' fare matrix works, but it does seem as though they track searches.

dotheboyshall

Try a different browser. Then again you might have hesitated too long and the cheap tickets have sold out

tominrm

I have been watching Chicago-Madrid fare Since November, 2014 hoping the lower oil price will lower the fare, but it did not happen. It is normally about $1100 r/t , but I finally booked for $815 using cheapoair.com for April departure and July return. The fare fluctuates, and you have to watch it everyday with patience.

fmpden

And why didn't you grab the $700? Because, you thought it might/would/could go lower? You rolled the dice, and you lost. I doubt if you will see that fare again especially for an April flight. Most airlines use long term fuel contracts that min the effect of price changes. It may be awhile before than can get new contracts at lower prices. On the other side they are also interested in maxing profits.

There are no rules to this game. Like buying stock at the bottom - rarely achieved.