Is there any kind of formal or informal schedule as to when airlines release seats to sites like Orbitz? It seems like mid-morning is when fares change and then again late in the afternoon. I'm looking for a reasonable, last minute fare from Chicago to Frankfurt - leaving later this week and returning mid-next week. Any hints?

Hi cm,

This site might help ou comparing fares,

http://www.bookingbuddy.com/?source=...=BBSearch_Home

I believe I read on Frommer's that generally speaking, Wednesdays after midnight (EST) is a good time to find low fares, as that is when the weekend discount fares are released.

http://www.frommers.com/activities/a...;articleid=453

Here is a link to an article listing a number of reliable consolidators you might try.

Just be careful if you use Orbitz. I got a tiny bit burned. They had a fare to Rome for $431.00. I booked 2 tickets, and it cost me an additional $35.00 for fees. Later I found out I could have gone direct to Delta's website and got the same tickets without the $35.00 fees.

thanks for the advice. The entire airfare pricing scheme is amazing. I can get roundtrip airfare for $370!! on air canada leaving on 3/25 and returning on 4/1. However, that is a bit longer than my schedule allows....so the best I've seen is either $1036 returning on 3/30 or $1800 returning on 3/31 (the preferred date!). How can the same seat cost 1/6th as much on day later??!! I'll hold on until tomorrow at the latest. I should add that I also prefer to fly airlines other than Air India and Air Kuwait even tho they have some pretty cheap fares.

Even cheaptickets.com came back with a price close to $3000.

I'd give Priceline or Hotwire a shot.

I'm not comfortable booking through Priceline, I don't like not knowing my itinerary beforehand, so i rarely use them. You might want to give Hotwire a shot, though I haven't had much luck w/ them internationally either.

What I would suggest doing is using the deal detector on Orbitz, it'll let you knwo if the price drops...