magicvoice

After looking at all the consolidators recommended on this board (thanks to everyone here) I have found an open jaw ticket from LAX-Frankfurt and from Zurich-LAX for the beginning of September for $776. This includes all taxes and fees. I have been kind of shocked at how expensive it's gotten since the last time I flew to Europe in the summer of '04 but I was wondering if any regulars here think this is a good deal for that time of year. I thought that anything after Aug. 31 was the shoulder season and would be a little cheaper but it doesn't seem to be the case this year. Is this a good deal?

rex

Traditionally, I would say that February is too soon to buy a September ticket, but I think that a $776 RT open jaw fare - - assuming that it meets your timetable and routing needs <i>exactly</i> - - well, I think it is highly unlikely to get significantly lower. It may remain available for the next 60-90 days, but then again, it may not. Caveat: I cannot say that I specifically know the Los Angeles market - - but I would consider that fare pretty darn good for most of the &quot;midwest&quot;. Who is the carrier?

September hasn't been &quot;shoulder season&quot; for five, maybe even more years... too many savvy American ravelers have learned that it's the perfect time to go to Europe.

I haven't see fall reductions before (travel commencing) October 1 (and usually not before October 15) in ages.

Best wishes,

Rex

Intrepid1

You know there <b>could</b> be a sale; actually some people here will tell you there <b>will be</b> a sale based on every conceivable past history known to Man but in no way a guarantee of the future.

If this is <b>the</b> itinerary you want and the dates you want and you have, in fact, checked with aggregators such as www.itasoftware.com as well as consolidators and also www.1800flyeurope.com then I would go for it.

Some will say &quot;the season&quot; doesn't end until mid-September

ira

Hi M,

That's a good price for non-stop flights, so-so for one-stop flights.

Have you looked at prices for after Labor Day?

magicvoice

Haven't looked after Labor day because we want the weather to be a little nicer. The deeper into September you go, the more likely it will rain.
I think I might wait a while and keep my eyes peeled for sales.

rex

Labor Day is September 4, 2006. &quot;After Labor Day&quot; and &quot;the beginning of September&quot; are almost synonyms.

ira

Hi rex ([email protected])
&gt;Labor Day is September 4, 2006. &quot;After Labor Day&quot; and &quot;the beginning of September&quot; are almost synonyms.

Only for government work and artists.

magicvoice

Yes, we're looking at leaving on Sept. 3 and returning Sept. 14th. We'll be visiting my Unlce in Germany and then taking the train to Switzerland to spend a few days in Lauterbrunnen. The price of $776 is on AA with a stop in either Dallas or Chicago so it's not non-stop. Non-stop would be great. It's already such a long flight from LAX. I'm going to keep looking and focus my search closer to May or June for buying.