How early do you book flights?

[Deleted]

H and I are flying into Seattle (out of Detroit) in May '13 for a Alaskan cruise. I was looking at flights just to get a general idea for price. Most were $550-$650. I did find a couple that were in the $350 range. I am assuming they aren't going to get any cheaper but it seems really early to book.

Opinions?

[balbacm]

we are also in the market for May flights, but are waiting until Southwest/Airtran releases their May schedules (which will be in the next month or so) before we make any final plans. Airtran is typically the cheapest way to get to Aruba from where we live.

[dawnyp]

Usually 6 months out at the earliest. If you book on Alaska they will give you a credit if the fares drop, you have to monitor the flights to see if they drop.

[orangello]

$350 is a great airfare for pretty much anywhere these days - I would jump on that. I've booked anywhere from 11mos - 2 mos out. I live in an area with a large airline "monopoly" on lots of destinations, however, and flights are always cheaper the earlier you book.

[Deleted]

I think a lot of domestic flights get cheaper around 3-4 weeks out. I rarely book domestic flights more than a month in advance (unless it's for holiday for a special event, e.g. thanksgiving, major sport event).

[Deleted]

I book pretty far out. For international flights, I start tracking fares as soon as they are released. I set up a fare alert, watch it for 1-2 months, then book. For domestic flights, I usually book more or less as soon as I decide on a location a few months out. I like having my airfare booked first. I haven't seen airfare drop too dramatically.

[jewel]

We just flew out of Seattle after our Alaskan cruise. I waited until Southwest had a big sale, probably 3 months before. I ended up with $99 one way per person. This was only to Northern California, but I believe Detroit was in the $179 range.

I'd definitely risk the wait, at least until all airlines have released their schedules.

[aurora]

Some airlines do drop prices as they finalize schedules about 6 months out. However, I'll book flights anywhere from 3 weeks (usually for work trips) to 9 months out depending on where I'm going. I'd say generally between 3-4 months.

Also, you probably do know this but just since you're posting on the weekend don't forget that airfares are often cheapest to buy on Tuesday and Wednesdays.