best time to book air fare?

we need to book flight to Chicago for mid July and the prices are nuts - usually you can get a decent fare for under $200. any tips? thanks

Re: best time to book air fare?

I always heard that airfare is a little lower mid-week (Tues/Wed). You could also sign up for fare watchers -- I use one on kayak.com when I have time to wait out a better price.

I think Southwest has a desktop feature called DING that will alert you to changes in airfares. I am not too familiar with it but it's worth checking out.

Re: best time to book air fare?

Definitely try Southwest if you haven't already. I like that they fly into Midway -- I hate O'Hare!

Re: best time to book air fare?

thanks our prob with Southwest is that islip is too far of a drive for us from Brooklyn etc...

Re: best time to book air fare?

wow...so funny you posted this...We have to go to Chicago in mid July as well...
We ususally fly from Islip on Southwest for practically nothing.

I have been pricing flights since May and the rates just keep going up.

As of today it will cost us $600 to fly to Chicago from Sat morning until Wednesday afternoon.

Makes me mad when we just flew there in Feb & it cost $120.00 for the BOTH of us.

Southwest has the cheapest fares compared to all the other airlines...I'm thinking of renting a small car and just driving...

Figured if we rent a "small" car between the gas and the rental - it would be way less than dropping $600.00 for an hour and 45 min flight

Message edited 6/18/2008 1:11:09 PM.

Re: best time to book air fare?

Maybe try priceline?

Flights do tend to be less on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. A lot of airlines are now raising the prices drastically if you don't stay over on Sat night (they used to do this years ago but, it hasn't been as much of the case recently).

If it's going to be a lot cheaper - it might be worth the time to travel from Brooklyn to Macarthur.

I wouldn't wait much longer since you are looking to travel in the next month - two weeks before the flight, the prices go up even farther.

DH booked a trip to Chicago in Mid July in Feb and he paid $230 - so even back then the flights were over $200.

Re: best time to book air fare?

I read somewhere that recently ALL of the airlines have increased their prices anywhere between 20% and 40%
That might be why your not seeing the low fares you are used to?

Re: best time to book air fare?

thanks it does stink the fares are high - dh is in bridal party and the wedding is Friday night so we are leaving Thurs and returning Sat (cant stay longer am leaving my DC for 2 nights)

i guess i shouldn't wait until next Tuesday to book?