retiredinflorida

I really don't travel during this time frame and will have to go to LHR next year for a family reunion. My dates won't be too flexible. When do seats sales for travel in Feb (returning in March) become available? How long should I wait to book? I prefer to fly AA. Thanks in advance.

wally34949

This is one of the cheaper times of the year to fly to London. There is a lot of tax that goes into a ticket when flying to London, so don't expect a $300 ticket. I would recommend going to www.kayak.com and checking the price once a week. Can you tell us where you are flying from, class of travel, and why you prefer AA. I would guess you want miles with AA? AA does not have the best service to London, IMO. Poor videos, they charge for wine and beer, rude flight attendants, dirty cabins, very small meal portions.

pavot

I'm curious too, about fares for travel to Paris.

The seats are available right now, if you really want specific flights/dates, but the fares don't reflect the prices I've seen for really cheap travel in past years.

Am I trying to plan too far ahead? When do airlines begin deeper discounts for winter travel?

(Or are airlines reducing flights so sharply that the really low fares may not materialize?)

wally34949

I think it is too early. Try around Christmas time. Try Hotwire in January for a hotel room. Unless you have to be a a certain flight on a particular day and stay in specific room of a specific hotel, wait.

dfr4848

When we've gone to Europe in Mar, we usually haven't found any discounts until mid to late fall.

doug_stallings

Keep watch on prices, but the tickets don't typically go on sale until later in the fall (about October) for winter travel. If you see a fare for $400 or less (with all taxes and fees) to London, grab it; you will probably not do much better. If you see a ticket for $350 or less (with all taxes and fees) to Paris, grab it.

pavot

Although this isn't my thread, thanks very much for your responses. You've helped this over-eager travel planner to calm down and be patient!

retiredinflorida

Thanks for the feedback. I'll keep checking prices.

wally, yes, you're right I'd like some AA miles. Also, I would like to requalify for elite status on AA.

BuonMeThuot

Ticket prices change around 03.00-04.00H in the morning in the USA.

Travel agents can 'sit on a booking' and wait until some price breaks show up.

The post New Year time is a low season (until March break) in the trans-Atlantic market.