Tips on when to book Airline tickets.
 

All, I've been watching the ticket prices to Italy for next year May 2024 trip and I am so frustrated with the very high prices $2K++ round trip! Looks like it's not coming down? Can you please share your tips or information on how to get a deal? I'm looking at least a reasonable airfare of $1500/person

You don't say where you are fling from - nor where to in Italy . . . so not sure how anyone could give useful advice.

Airlines use very (VERY) sophisticated algorithms for fares. So it is hard to beat them at their own game. Plus fares are generally higher now than in the past.

But in general -- you can sometimes get a terrific deal by booking an AAVacation, BA Holiday, UA vacation, etc. where including some of the ground arrangements -- a few nights in a hotel, or a rental car, etc -- makes it a 'Vacation package' with greatly reduced costs. I just save several thousand $$$ combining 3 very high end hotel nights with R-T business class flights. This was to London but the same can apply to just about any destination.

Using the info you provided, I just looked on google flights and found round trip tickets for <$500 each for May.

Hi Janis,

Departing from LAX going to Florence

Hi J62,

Thanks for the quick reply.
I'm coming from Los Angeles, CA going to Florence, Italy in May 2024

Using the info you provided, I just looked on google flights and found round trip tickets for <$800 each for May.

And also look at flying in to Rome and Pisa -- easy to get to Florence from those . . .

Thanks J62 and janisj for the info. I've signed up for price alerts as well.

February is when I usually start looking for airfares, and I first use Kayak to see the general price ranges.

Hi Michael, Thanks for your response. When you do your search, do you do (incognito) or private window?

Are you concerned that the airlines are tracking your web browsing and somehow denying you the best prices? That's a common urban legend and totally inaccurate.

Use the ITA Matrix (owned by Google) to scan for the best prices, then book directly with the airline when you find something you can live with. Learning how to use ITA is well worth your time. Search flights || ITA Matrix by Google (itasoftware.com)

I should note that Gardlyloo is an expert when it comes to flights. I use Google flights as it’s quicker and follow up with ITA matrix. You are lucky that LAX is your home airport since it often has some of the best priced flights in the US

Appreciate the info/tips Gardyloo

I use Google flights, too, and I look every day. For a couple of days last week, there were great Air France non-stops from LAX-Paris, which I jumped on. Today, they are nearly twice as much

Thanks maitaitom-I'm checking every single day now :love: using google flights and ITA matrix