I'm traveling to Phoenix from Baltimore in June 2003. When would be a good time to lock-in the best airfare?

No set time. I would keep watching airfare and when you notice a steep discount, buy them.

June fares should be very reasonable (provided that AWA stays solvent...which is likely).

But...you'll never get a discounted fare more than 6 months in advance.

You need to set up a faretracker account with Travelocity (I believe, not Expedia) which is free. They'll monitor BWI-PHX fares for you and let you know when they go on sale via an e-mail.

BTW, I find summer fares tend to start going on sale in March and April.

I can't speak about cheap fares to Phoenix but I used Travelocity and Expedia to monitor fares to my destination. Each site will send you email when the price changes. By monitoring the messages over several months, I know when a great deal is offered.

Mike Honeycutt

If Southwest flies from Baltimore (and I think they do), they will MOST CERTAINLY have the cheapest fares, regardless of other airlines discounts and sales. SW does not participate on Expedia or Travelocity or any other website, nor will they pay commission to TA's. go to southwest.com and buy from them directly. They also have a policy of allowing you full credit on non-refundable tickets that are cancelled. Not your money back, but they will give you 100% credit for one year against another ticket. Generous, common sense policy.

now is too soon. America West is a real nice airline. Their fares year round are very very close to Southwest and from Baltimore, they give you a little food also. One more thing!, Assigned seating!!

Thanks everyone. I found $188 round-trip fare from BWI to Phoenix from United, however, it doesn't extend out into July '03. Is $188 a reasonable price, or should I look to do better?

Ed, $188 is a steal!