When To Expect Specials?

[Trvlr 50]

Travel agents tell me that airlines do not typically offer special deals until about two/three months before the departure date. Does anyone know what this typical period might be? I am particularly interested in United from the West Coast, leaving end-November.

I realize that these days there is no telling when airlines change fares, but if I have some idea what the 'typical' period is I may be able to figure out how long to wait before buying a ticket. United wants 800-plus these days, and that seems high for that time of year. But neither do I want to wait too long and see fares shoot up. Kind of like buying stocks - I suppose it introduces an additional element of gambling to a trip!

[upena 2]

my buddy booked yesterday on EVA for a trip in Sep

 

ITINERARY AND TICKET INFORMATION

FROM TO FLIGHT CL DEP.DATE DEP.TIME STATUS

LOS ANGELES TAIPEI BR0015 B 08SEP04 0120 OK

TAIPEI BANGKOK BR0211 B 09SEP04 0830 OK

BANGKOK TAIPEI BR0212 B 18SEP04 1215 OK

TAIPEI LOS ANGELES BR0012 B 18SEP04 1840 OK

 

VALIDITY : NVB :1/ 2/ 3/ 4/

VALIDITY : NVA :1/08DEC04 2/08DEC04 3/08DEC04 4/08DEC04

FAREBASIS:1/BLX6M 2/BLX6M 3/BLX6M 4/BLX6M

 

ACTUAL FARE PAID : USD 660

TAX : XY 7.00

TAX : YC 5.00

TAX : XT 77.50

TOTAL : USD 749.50

 

I usually try on line - like travelocity/expedia, call the airlines directly, and contact 2-3 different travel agents. I start looking about 6-8 weeks out...but I have also booked one day in advance and gotten decent rates. It is a crap-shoot somtimes.

[randolpho2 0]

If it is any help, I just saw a flight on Asiana (a Star Alliance member) out of SFO-BKK for $720ish around those dates... I caught it on Travelocity of all places might be worth check out. FYI, EVA for the same flight is $670 all-in.

 

Randy

[Trvlr 50]

To partially answer my own question, United dropped its LAX-BKK prices by some $90 for November. As of today not all web sites were offering it - Travelocity was one that did. Until Aug 1 the prices had been about 825, all taxes included, plus $5 service fee. Today it is down to 737 (weekday travel), all taxes included, plus the $5.

That's a good enough prices for me - may drop farther, but not enough to take chances (unless some catastrophe strikes).

[BigDUSA 71]

With gas prices as high as they are, I don't think you will see prices drop much further.

[cmagrad 6]

Is that an EVA economy or deluxe economy price?

[PenName 1]

For what it's worth -

 

Cathay Pacific has extended its July Special to BKK out of Los Angeles, San Francisco or New York-JFK for the month of August, or until it sells its inventory of seats. Haven't seen this happen in quite a while, so I guess the seats weren't moving for some reason. Maybe because of other competing fares in pretty much the same ballpark that offer FF miles. Anyway, Cathay to BKK from U.S. west coast is in the mid-$600's and from NYC is mid-$800.

 

P.

[cowboy 0]

I just got a $764 quote (including all taxes) on united flight for a wednesday departure sunday return sfo to bkk in november. includes a free night at a marriot.

[exwannabe 1]

Is that an EVA economy or deluxe economy price?

I believe that is economy (as I can quote an econ ticket for exactly that amount), the EDelux is pricing out at $869US ($959 with tax)

 

BTW: Just (2 minuets ago) quoted an econ ticket from EVA LAX->BKK->LAX leaving Sep 29 for $580

 

 

Just go to the web site and keep trying, you get a different quote almost every try .