Janice

I'm going to Scotland for the first time in early May next year. I'll be staying 12 days, visiting places like Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, Orkney, Skye and Stirling. Most of my itinerary is already planned and my accomodations are booked by a travel agency in Scotland. The only thing I need to do is to book the airfare. Somebody suggested I wait till after Christmas because the fares might go down. I'm also contacting the U.S. agent for the Scotland company to get me quotes for the fares. Should I wait till January (which is roughly 4 months before my departure) or should I book now? Also, any places I should not miss while in Scotland?

Maira

I would wait until the end of January, max late Feb, unless, you can get a fare for less than $500.00 now, which would be a reasonable shoulder season fare. I am inclined to advise you to wait. There are a number of things brewing on the horizon (oil situation, Euro, Middle east turnmoil) that may have significant impact on next year's fares.

Janice

I haven't found anything for less than $500 for an April 26th departure. All the low fares are for travel between now and the end of March. I've been getting quotes in the rage of $800-900 if I book now. I think I'll wait a little bit longer.

Don

It depends a lot on your departure and return airport, too. $800 is way too much from the US in May. Try the cheap flight forum at eurotrip.com.

Janice

Departure airpots would most likely be Newark or JFK. I till $800.00 is a lot.

Janice

Gee, I cannot type today. Sorry about that. Like I tried saying earlier I still think $800 is too much for departure from JFK or Newark.

Maira

Janice, I saw a Boston-Glasgow for $377 last week. You may want to check alternatives.

Scot

I used Priceline last year and got tix from Newark to Glasgow for $300. I booked on New Year's Eve. It was before the oil problem, but I'd give it a try again. I flew Air Canada, btw.

Janice

Maira: Thank you for the suggestion. I saw those fares too. They are part of some airlines winter fares, good for travel till the end of March. I happen to be going a month later. I'll keep on looking though. Boston is a good alternative for me, only a 2 hour drive from home. My first choice is flying out of Bradley Int Airport in CT, only 1/2 hour from home.

Jen

You'll get the best fares if you look around 6-8 weeks before your flight. Also, you may see some great sale in the meantime. If you're patient, you'll get a good fare. I travel to the U.K. about 2-3 times a year, and I've never bought my ticket more than 4 weeks ahead of time and have never paid more than $500 (usually in the $300-$400 range), and that includes flying May-August.

steve

It was a year ago, but I got Phoenix - London tickets for about $600. <BR> <BR>Try looking at bestfares.com <BR>It will give you an idea of fares. If you find one that you like, you may want to join (about $60 per year) <BR> <BR>I got tickets last year to England (for March) around the end of the year. They became slightly lower about a month before I left, but not enough to worry about. <BR> <BR>I think that buying airline tickets is like buying a computer - If you wait you might find one cheaper, but if you find one that will suit your needs at a decent price, go get it

Janice

Thank you all for all the good advice. I'll hold off for a couple of months, and I'll keep shopping around. All of your ideas gave me a very solid base of where to look. Thanks.

Lin

I just checked at the Icelandair site for May of next year. Seems Mastercard is running a special deal...buy one full-price ticket and get a companion ticket free...if that might be appropriate for you. Also, some of their special packages had pretty decent airfares.