When to book flights

[lisi]

We are off to Tampa in early October and will fly with BA. Haven't yet booked our flights and wondering whether to do so at the last minute or whether to get on with it now! Anyone got any ideas? [8D]

Lisi

[Carla]

I only risk last minute when it is just me or me and my husband going to Florida. We have no problem with going on separate flights, different carriers, etc. etc., as long as we get out there!!

When I'm booking for the family, I always try and book as soon as I have firm dates so that we can all be on the same plane and come into the same airport. The whole of October is a very busy time with Brits travelling to Florida and the chances of getting last minute tickets to suit you are slim.

[blott]

Normally, the cheapest flights are when they're first available, which is about 11 months prior to the return date. The nearer it gets to the dates, the more expensive the flights become and, as Carla says, October is half term and a really popular time for Brits going to Florida so, if I were you, I'd get booked in quickly before they all go.

[Ruth]

I would book as soon as possible if you want BA as their prices only go up nearer the time not down

[Floridalover]

Book as soon as you can........prices get more expensive nearer the time.

[Ray&Sarah]

We have just booked flights in October and although had no problem getting a flight out the ones back were really limited and we've ended up having to stay an extra night, ah shame![msnwink]

[darrenm]

I find it strange that everyone says prices will only go up, i know this is what the airlines say and past bookings have showed. However for the first time we are looking at booking the flights very early and yet we are having to pay double what we normally pay

In the past 5/6 years we have never paid over £300 for a flight this includes virgin, air france and a [bad language filtered out]py airtours effort

Guess its upto the individual if they want to take the risk of missing out

[Carla]

It's all down to supply and demand Darren. More and more Brits are flying off to the USA. If you don't get in early then you often either won't get a flight or will end up having to go via a circuitous route to get to your destination. There are a few bargains to be had, but rarely during any of the main holiday seasons.

[adh619]

We would never risk last minute the airlines sut back on capacity after 9/11 and have not really put the extra capacity back - in our experience demand is greater than supply

IMO

Tony

[lisi]

Thank you all for that - I shall now book with alacrity and hope all is OK.

Lisi