jaspertl

I thought Aer Lingus tickets might go on sale for our Los Angeles trip to Ireland but so far they are 808+ tax. (approximately $886) I want to fly Aer Lingus because it's a nonstop flight.

I've been calling directly and checking online almost every day for the past month and I don't want to wait so long that they go up in price, or even worse, sell out.

Any comments on what you'd do?

HappyCheesehead

I am afraid I will be no help to answer your question, but I have been thinking the same thoughts myself! I am hoping to travel to Ireland (leaving from WI) in May and I have been checking multiple sites daily for any price break. There has been no sale out there that I have been able to find either. I remember a post or two that I have read suggesting that historically, we may see some movement mid- January. I am hoping that happens or I am considering not taking this trip. I am not inclined to pay top dollar for the airfare, and then be nailed by the sinking dollar too!

kaudrey

The best time to buy airline tickets is usually 45-90 days from the flight, IN GENERAL. It is always a little more concerning when flying in the summer because it is a busier travel time, but I wouldn't book until February or March.

Again, let me stress that this is a general guidance-type of idea. I don't know how crowded that route is or if there is a chance it would sell out way in advance.

Karen

Christina

That's funny because they just had an ad in my paper yesterday that was so cheap I almost thought of going to Ireland even though I had no plans. It was Aer Lingus with $99 one way fares from east coast to Ireland. I know there were some taxes and it was limited thru February, but given such low fares, I'd think they might be doing better on your other dates, also. They are $114 each way for March. So, they are having a sale right now--not for summer but maybe some others might be interested.

If that is a pattern, the sale is about 1-2 months before flying.

Holldoll

Well, let me tell you my tale of woe. I'm going to Ireland on Feb. 28. Wanting to be sure to get the dates I wanted I booked Aer Lingus last August and paid $501 return from Chicago--which I thought was decent. The exact same flights on line now only cost $312!! All they will do for me is issue a credit for the difference which must be used by this August. Bummer. So I'm never planning ahead again!!

rex

I watched Aer Lingus a lot last winter/spring. these same bargain fares were offered as "good through the end of February" (not sure when the sale started) - - and then it was extended through March, and then through April, and then (I think) through May.

Our trip was in May, and we ended up using another itinerary/airline (didn't go through Ireland at all) - - so I don't know what happened on into summer. But the extensions were one month at a time. So I would not hold my breath for bargain pricing for June from Aer Lingus to occur anytime soon - - if at all.

Best wishes,

Rex

wojazz3

The end of June is the beginning of the high tourist season in Ireland. They will only offer a great deal if it appears that the flights aren't booking up which they will probably know more (as was previously stated) 45-90 dyas out. You may get a better price, but I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't.

By the way, the flight is sort of non-stop. From what I have heard, in one direction or the other you have to stop in either Shannon or Dublin and perhaps get off and wait. I know Delta does that on the way back from Shannon and I think Aer Lingus does it also.

Bill

jsmith

Not too many years ago (at least, not to me) fares to Europe were based upon peak season, low season and shoulder season and all airlines were the same. Very simple to make a decision and we could go on to other things.

Now we obsess over finding the best fare, the best seat, the best hotel, the best restaurant, the best itinerary and, of course, all must be at the best price.

Parade Magazine of January 4, included in many Sunday newspapers, has an article titled "When It's All Too Much" by Barry Schwartz, a professor of psychology at Swarthmore and is adapted from his book, "The Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less".

An excerpt from the article:

"It seems that as we become freer to pursue and do whatever we want, we get less and less happy.

Settle for a choice that is "good enough" rather than searching for the elusive "best". If you want to spend a week in the sun this winter, don't drive yourself crazy searching for the best possible deal on a flight, hotel and rental car. Find a deal that's "good enough", then stop thinking about it."

sjbisanz1

You said you have been checking online; but have you tried contacting a TA to see if you can get a consolidator fare to Ireland? There might be consolidators that sell direct to passengers and if there are, someone here will know of it. Wouldn't hurt to call a TA though and ask specifically for a quote. As you are going during high season, that is the best time to take advantage of their fares. If you are not familiar with them, consolidators basically purchase bulk seats from the airlines at discounted rates, then pass on the savings. Other companies also have contracts that allow them to offer discounted seats.

FYI... if you have been only checking for the last month, you have been seeing discounts that were directed at holiday traffic. Some of the sale fares offered in the last month extended as far as into March, but that was about it. We should be seeing sale fares here within the next month that are pushed out further. But again, check for consolidator fares and you might also contact a tour operator that specializes in Ireland; Sceptre Tours and CIE both have contracts with Aer Lingus (ok, not sure if both do; but CIE definitely does.). They will sometimes offer the air-only to you. Good luck!

jaspertl

Thanks for all the great information.

I just got off the phone with Septre and they told me that they had no more seats available at the lower price for the June 27th flight that we wanted.

He said that if I can get them on line for $808 + tax, I should go for it.
A really nice gentleman by the way with a great Irish accent!

Sooooo, I'm buying our tickets online tonight after I get everyone's passport information.

I love it when I get to buy the tickets!!! It mean's we really ARE going! ;0)

Thanks for your help!!!