Best time to buy tickets
 

I'm planning a 4 day trip from Rochester, NY to Chicago in September. It will involve an overnight on Saturday and a return on Sunday. I thought I might get the best price if I buy the tickets now, well in advance. I was stunned to see that non-stop tickets cost well over $400. I make that trip three or four times a year, and I have always gotten tickets under $200. Will the price go down as we get closer to the date? When is the best time to go on-line to buy the tickets? Thanks in advance. Gerhardt.

Can you drive to Buffalo?

I just checked Southwest for dates of Sept 15-Sept 18 and found non-stops for $105.40 round trip per person. That was using "promotional anytime" on the outbound flight and "fun fare" for the return.

Northwest has flights, with a connection in Detroit, from Rochester to Chicago for $318...

I've always flown American or American Eagle non-stop. I'm wondering if the cheap seats don't become available until closer to the date.

Gerhardt
I've always thought the timing of buying airline tickets was like playing Russian Roulette. If you buy it early, the fare may go down. If you wait till a closer date, even if the plane isn't full, the class of service you need for the lowest fare may not be available and you could end up paying significantly more. My rule of thumb is, if you find a price you're comfortable with....go for it. The time and effort you spend checking and rechecking fares might not be worth the savings you may.... or may not get.

Independence has nonstops for 203+tax from ROC.

Buffalo to Chicago Midway on United is 83+, or $101.90 all in. for Tue, Wed, Sat travel.

I wouldn't count on the fares going down.