What is a reasonable roundtrip airfare to London from the east coast (Pittsburgh) for the summer months?<BR><BR>Planning on July 2003 trip. So far, I've seen as low as $692. Could I do better? Is it too early to buy tickets or should I wait for a lower fare?

From NY....<BR><BR>Last summer most of the summer the lowest fares (after taxes) hovered around $800. Every so often the airlines would run a sale which would bring it down to $700. I kept waiting for a sale to bring it to $500.<BR><BR>So I would say $692 is a pretty good fare provided it includes all the taxes which currently amount to over $100.....If not, it is an average price again not knowing how much the add on would be as compared to NY....although come to think of it since Pittsburgh is a hub of US Air that might be a US Air fare and quite frankly given their current financial position, I don't think I would book them for July 2003.

Hi Paul,<BR><BR><BR>$692 for July travel to London looks reasonable ( given that it is high season)<BR><BR>Regards<BR>Gregory

I just flew from East coast (Wash DC) to London in mid-August which should generally be the same rates as July, and I paid about $725 which included all fees and taxes. That was supposedly a "sale" on British Airways (and Virgin had a sale about the same rate) -- I checked that out and it wasn't a big sale but was about $100 less than the fare had been this peak summer season. <BR><BR>So, $700 for July is pretty good based on this year, if that includes taxes, but I wouldn't book at all until 2003 myself because you might get some lower fare next year and you have plenty of time to look around. As someone else said, if that is US Air I really wouldn't book it. It's not bad, but not just a great deal that I would want to lock into it so far ahead but I really don't know predictions for air fares next year or how important going on a certain date is to you. If you must be there on certain dates, or just want to for planning, I probably doubt that fares will take a huge drop next summer. I'm guessing.

Paul, if you purchase your tickets directly from British Airway (speak with an agent, don't make the reservation on the website), and British Airways has a sale 90 days or more prior to your departure date, British Airways will refund you the distance based on the class of service that you initially purchased your ticket for. This also works for non-refundable tickets. <BR><BR>The only glitch is, is that this is not automatic. You would have to notify British Airways directly. This works best with electronic tickets, because it would not be necessary for you to turn your tickets in. British Airways does not advertise the refunds, but I have had great success having credits issued to my credit card.<BR><BR>Otherwise, $692 seems like a reasonable fare. You might also consider bidding on Priceline, as you have plenty of time, but I wouldn't bid more than $350-$400, plus the taxes. <BR><BR>Just warning you that it can be hot and crowded in London in July.<BR>