when to book flights

[sammibabe]

We are looking into our next Florida holiday next year. Timing is proving a bit tricky as cannot really go in summer hols as it is a bit too expensive (4 adults and 1 child) yet eldest DD is doing exams so need to miss May half term. Is it better to book Virgin flights (have miles to spend) asap when they come out for best price or leave it a bit? Thanks

[ncmurray]

In my (limited) experience, if you want to travel at peak times, it is best to book as soon as the flights are released, and that is either 11 or 13 months before travel,, if i remember correctly. Perhaps you can check with a travel agent about how each airline does it.

If you can travel off peak, then it is probably best to wait until a couple of weeks before travel. We have got some of our best beals by leaving it late, but for peak time it is not usually possible to get a really good deal. If you can find each airline's policy, then you could get a good deal by having your dates chosen, and just keeping an eye on the websites. From what I have heard, the cheap seats for peak times are usually sold within a day or so.

good luck

[Pegasus928]

We are looking to book our flights for the end of May 2008 also and will be keeping a close eye on Virgin Holidays over the next few weeks, as they seem to be available on there a long timme before you can book with Virgin Atlantic - plus a fly-drive was cheaper for us last year than flight only, we just didn't take the car as it was cheaper to hire that seperatley off the link at the top of this page.
As for the miles we still have't figured out how that side of it works. A friend of mine who went recently tried to use his air miles ands told he would have to book his flight through Virgin Direct, but the price of these was so much higher than the offers that were available with Atlantic it didn't make financial sense to do this.
I don't know if I have misunderstood but I'm sure someone on here will be able to shed some light.

Pegasus

[Kissyme]

We always book our flights first and as early as possible,this is mainly due to the fact that we are fairly limited to the dates we can go due to school and work commitments.
Once the flights are in place we then book our accomodation,car and attraction tickets.
Depending on who you want to fly with we have found that popular dates sell out fast and are always shocked that some dates have sold out sometimes over a year in advance.

[mfairhurst]

Best to book well in advance as peak times go quickly and if you keep looking the companys put cheaper ones out at certain times .
We always book flights at least 6 months in advance .
Good luck .
MAUREEN
www.onlinefloridavillas.com/villas/1683.aspx

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Pegasus928
We are looking to book our flights for the end of May 2008 also and will be keeping a close eye on Virgin Holidays over the next few weeks, as they seem to be available on there a long timme before you can book with Virgin Atlantic - plus a fly-drive was cheaper for us last year than flight only, we just didn't take the car as it was cheaper to hire that seperatley off the link at the top of this page.
Pegasus
[/quote]

We do the same, even with all my experience of the airline business if you want to travel to a very popular destination on a direct flight I would book asap[msnsmile2]

We are all booked through VH for April 2008[clap] We also do the same with the car[msnwink]

Another point worth noting if you do book early through VH and then change your mind or dates flight ARE changeable[msnsmile2]

[Robert5988]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Posted - 08 Mar 2007 : 01:02:34
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We are looking to book our flights for the end of May 2008 also and will be keeping a close eye on Virgin Holidays over the next few weeks, as they seem to be available on there a long timme before you can book with Virgin Atlantic - plus a fly-drive was cheaper for us last year than flight only, we just didn't take the car as it was cheaper to hire that seperatley off the link at the top of this page.
As for the miles we still have't figured out how that side of it works. A friend of mine who went recently tried to use his air miles ands told he would have to book his flight through Virgin Direct, but the price of these was so much higher than the offers that were available with Atlantic it didn't make financial sense to do this.
I don't know if I have misunderstood but I'm sure someone on here will be able to shed some light.

[/quote]

There have been a number of threads mentioning the advantages and disadvantages of using Virgin airmiles to offset the cost of a ticket or companion flights.

Some - like your friend - are of the opinion that the higher price you initially pay for a ticket make it a poor deal. Others(and one person in particular) do not agree.

I suggest you try to get a price for all methods and see what is best for you.

[christhear]

If you book through virgin holidays regularly (i think its 2 trips within the last 3 years) you can become a member of the frequent virgin club. This gives you a 10% reduction on the brochure price of holidays, quite a good saving really.

[wrpac00]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Pegasus928
We are looking to book our flights for the end of May 2008 also and will be keeping a close eye on Virgin Holidays over the next few weeks, as they seem to be available on there a long timme before you can book with Virgin Atlantic - plus a fly-drive was cheaper for us last year than flight only, we just didn't take the car as it was cheaper to hire that seperatley off the link at the top of this page.
As for the miles we still have't figured out how that side of it works. A friend of mine who went recently tried to use his air miles ands told he would have to book his flight through Virgin Direct, but the price of these was so much higher than the offers that were available with Atlantic it didn't make financial sense to do this.
I don't know if I have misunderstood but I'm sure someone on here will be able to shed some light.

Pegasus
[/quote]

On Virgin Atlantic's website it states they will price match any fare found anywhere else on one of their flights. Personally I have never seen VA PE fares cheaper anywhere else apart from on the VA website.

I have used airmiles (and a FREE companion ticket) for the past 3 years flying in PE and saved over £3500, they work for me. I have never had a problem getting a companion fare during Jul/Aug for the past 3 years but I do book up the day the flights are available. Some people (and one person in particular) do not understand how VA miles work with companion fares and the huge savings that can be made.