Patti Suttle

I am still researching my trip plans for Ireland, London and Paris. We are going next June (2001). Do most of you book your flights this early or would you advise waiting until January at least. It seems that most advertisements (for "specials") are concentrating on Holiday travel now and will get to next summer ("specials") in January. Not having flights booked delays getting room reservations as well. What do you do?

Annie

Hi Patti: <BR>I have found that their are two schools <BR>of thought. Mine is this, if you think the price is right, grab them! p-rices to Ireland seem to start going up in May. I don't ever remember seeing any specials for warm weather travel. I got my ticket to Amsterdam for June last month. I havr seen the prices increase already. Hope this helps.

Bob Brown

If your plans are firm and the price is right, grab it. And make seat reservations as soon as you can to avoid the "bad" seats.

Stan Lepelstat

This summer I was looking for a flight to Paris in September.During 1 month I monitored the Continental site and saw during this period 4 different fares from $467 to $652.If you have the time monitor the airlines and pick the flight that meets your budget.The $467 flight lasted 1 day.

Rex

This might not apply to you, but one of the nice things about a small group trip (10 or more) is that you can lock in the seats now, and not turn in the names until much later (typically pay at T-90 days, names due at T-30 days). <BR> <BR>Almost all airlines will work with you through the "group desk" on such a purchase. And on average, you get two free tickets for every twelve purchased (i.e., about 15% off, on the aggregate).

toi

Good question because I am looking to go to Paris in June as well and am wondering if it's harder to get a hotel room or flight plans completed. I'm thinking it's always harder to get a room (especially since June is one of the busiest months!) and I can always wait to get a flight, but I'm wondering what you think. Thanks.

Annie

Toi: <BR>Dont' wait! <BR>Make a resrvation and keep shopping. Just be aware of cancallations policies and if you find a lower rate, book that one instead.

bob

I am from the other school of thought. I do not know my schdule for next week let alone the middle of next year. Cancellation costs can kill any deal you are making. I always wait until at least 2-3 months before and then sweat until I leave for the airport if my schedule will allow. What a fun life. Also, I even wonder if some hotels will book this early. Maybe so. My guess is January may be an appropriate time to book early.

James

The best time to buy is 45-60 days before you plan to fly. I've been to Europe 17 times, and I've bought tickets at all different times. By far, the best fares (aside from some luck I've had getting tickets the day before I leave) were purchased in the 45-60 day time frame.

toi

Thanks for the advice. I re-read my previous email and it's not very clear so I'm glad that you were able to understand what I was trying to say. (My head's a little jumbled right now). I'm still doing research but I have heard that 6 months should be plenty of time to book a room, but that it should be done before the flight because flights are easy to come by vs. hotel rooms that only have so many rooms available, especially the nicer rooms in the boutique hotels. But as you said, I think everyone has a different way of doing things, so whatever works, right. Thanks again, I always appreciate my fellow Fodorites suggestions and advice.

Susie

I booked flights on Continental out of Newark to Italy for June 2001. I was told that if fares go down, I could either get a travel voucher for the difference in price (to use on a future trip to anywhere within 1 year--okay since we usually go on 2- 3 trips a year)OR if the differnce is substantial, I could reticket and pay the $75 change fee, and get the net refunded to my credit card. Seems like a no lose situation. The fares were $$$- 900 RT, but I wanted to book early and be on the waiting list for first class upgrades using FF miles. Apparently Continental doesn't release the First class seats available for upgrades until 30 days prior to flight, and then on a first come first serve basis from the waiting list (also sorted by Priority level-plat, gold silver). I at least have the best coach seats reserved, since we were one of the first people to book! BTW, I have gotten travel vouchers before when fares have gone down--you just have to keep checking the price.

Alma

I have just booked my flight from Miami to London on Virgin & return from Paris for $740 round trip for June 2-June 24, 2001. I don't know if it's too soon or not, I booked it thru AAA travel Group and they said it's not too early. Don't forget, the summer is prime time (although, I don't know if early June would be considered summer). I am going to Scotland & Wales also and was wondering if it would be very cold at that time. I know that in Paris, it will probably be around 70 with rain (like London, I suppose!). I plan on taking a swede jacket(unlined)and was wondering if that was warm enough for Scotland. Does anyone know about the weather for that time of year? <BR> <BR>Anyway, to get back to your question Patti, I'm glad I booked the flights now because that's one less item to plan. I don't know if the prices will go up or down, but I've found, at least in my case, that the more I shop around, the more confused I become and really accomplish less in the long run. This way, my plans seem more real and getting closer all the time. But that's me! Good luck with your trip.

Patti Suttle

Thanks for all the replys and information! I am new to these forums (been reading about 6 months and it really helped me with my trip to Italy in June). But, this time my husband and I are taking 8 friends and the entire dynamic really changes when you travel with friends. Anyway, you will be seeing my posts alot I'm afraid as I put this trip together! So, I did start really researching airfares now and I will see what happens. We are flying from LAX to Shannon then after 12 days there we fly to London-spend 3 nights in London and then fly to Paris and spend 3 nights there. We plan on flying out of Paris back to LAX. Yes, it is very confusing and I find I get anxious to get something booked (yeah, have that behind you) not to mention rooms, etc. It gets harder with flying into 3 cities. But, I really am enjoying the process-but will feel better when I get our flights booked. <BR>Anyway, thanks for all your help. <BR>Patti