I'm looking to travel mid-August 2007 and the dates are just now available. I've signed up for a number of farewatcher services, but I need a point of reference. A direct flight from SFO to CDG, currently on Orbitz, is almost $1400. I will have two small children with me and really want to fly direct. I'm worried I won't know the good deal when I see it. Can anyone help? Thanks!

I think you need to prepare yourself for prices in that range. They may fall a little if fuel surcharges are reduced/dropped, but by wanting direct service from SF to Paris <i>and</i> wanting to fly in the peak of peak periods, it's unlikely there will be any huge deals.

I see very few good deals to Europe for next summer except on Iberia. I would wait until March unless you plan to use frequent flyer miles.

I say chances of prices going higher between now and say next February or March is ZERO. While chances of them going a little lower (perhaps to around $1,000) is pretty good during this period. I would check once in a while, but would not buy now.

Thanks for the responses -- they are very helpful. I would be completely happy with a $1000 fare and will wait until March or so.

From past experience, $1000 would not be surprising. Remember to also check the difference between coach fare and business class fare in August. There have been business class sales in the past during August. Last year, I got a business class fare on AA for around $1300 while coach was around $1000.

Good point, Janey. Will keep an eye on business class seats.

junk 2..I booked SFO/CDG in August on Air France for 763.00 round trip all fees included. There has been a huge fare fluctuation in the last couple of months. I signed up for Air France e-mails and that's how I got the fare.

When I first looked prices were over 800.00..I wanted direct so the choice was Air France of Delta. I DID check American etc. and there was no significant difference in price between the direct vs. up to two stops. I checked again and prices were over 1300.00 and then got an e-mail...and that's when i booked. Now the prices are over 1400.00...but they WILL drop again I'm sure. So sign up for the e-mail. By the way, if you ARE willing to pay more, there WERE some really good deals on business class being offered at the time I booked my fare. I didn't go for it because I need that money for SHOPPING!!!!!