How far in advance should I order airline tickets?
 

I am planning a trip to Europe in June of 1998, flying into Amsterdam. When is a good time to buy airline tickets for the best possible price? I was thinking around January or February. Any suggestions? Also, I am curious about people's experiences with consolidators. Thanks in advance.

Don't buy in advance unless you know the price will go up based on season. If close to Miami, try 1-800-CityBird to Brussels, Belgium, then jump on the non-stop train to Amsterdam! Consolidators normally save you a bundle as they buy up x number of airline seats. We have found that waiting, depending on season, saves money.
Hope this helps!

Don't buy in advance unless you know the price will go up based on season. If close to Miami, try 1-800-CityBird to Brussels, Belgium, then jump on the non-stop train to Amsterdam! Consolidators normally save you a bundle as they buy up x number of airline seats. We have found that waiting, depending on season, saves money.
Hope this helps!

Hi, Go down a little furthur in this forum and check out my question, HAS ANYONE FLOWN VIRGIN ATLANTIC AIRLINES. There are 7 or 8 answers and that is the airline I am picking next time. Now this airline is also known as City Bird in USA . I think it is known by V.A. isn Europe; not sure how it works yet. They also have the cheapest flights in Europe. I use www.discountair.com to keep my self abreast of costs and trends. You can even join for free and post your iteniary and they will E mail you when fares change.The current cost from Calif to Amsterdam is $398 on Virgin and from East Coast to
Amsterdam it will be $298 after 11/1. I paid $730 last August from Calif to Amsterdam on TWA-that will give you an idea. I found by $730 flight thru the internet and saved $500. I called TWA the same day and was quoted over $1200!! Amazing!!
I printed out someinfo about Airfare Season that I find extremely helpful. Low Seas is now until 3/31. shoulder season is 4/1- 5/31 and high season is 6/1 to 9/14. Ticket consolidators at 1/800 468 3796. I found them in a website called, Hot Fares. I have that address tucked away --E mail me if you would like it.

I would not wait, I purchased my tickets to Paris for next may 3 months ago. If the fare goes down or if there is a fare sale, you gan get a rebate minus a service charge for changing. The longer you wait, the more seats will be sold and prices will go up.

Consolidator tickets are not something I would buy although many people do. I tried it once several years ago and had a huge problem when the flight was cancelled.

If you do use consolidator, be VERY sure to use a reputable one with good reputation.

I would not wait to buy my tickets, I purchased my tickets for Paris in May 3 months age. If you buy and there is a sale, you can get a rebate, minus a service charge, and have the lower fare.

Airlines have a certain number of seats in each price catagory, the cheapest ones go first, then they move higher (prices) as more seats are sold.

As for consolidators, I don't care for them. I used one several years ago and had a huge problem when flight was cancelled.

If you do use a consolidator, make VERY sure it is a reputable Company with a proven track record.