Not always true for transatlantic. Best fare can pop up at any time, so sign up for fare alerts with a good source such as Airfarewatchdog and/or Farecompare.

To dispel a myth: airlines do NOT discount at last minute; quite the contrary. Once you’re inside 21 days, the cheapest fare classes no longer apply, and you can only book the more expensive fare classes.

For peak season (June-Aug, and then some on routes to southern Europe) I would want to book at minimum 6 weeks advance, but 8 weeks or more would be better. Reason is that summer, even at peak season (high) fares still sells out, so seat availability becomes the issue. Of course the cheapest seats get snatched up first. Once you’re inside 8 weeks, it’s less likely to snag a good fare for peak season.

There are some route-specific strategies that I can offer. What is your specific route, and travel dates? How flexible? Student or under 26 by chance?

Plus, we can only assume that fuel prices will go up this summer. I’m sure that will be factored in later on if it hasn’t been already.

I am looking to go to Chicago, from either London or Dublin, sometime around July 12, then return from NYC to London (or Dublin) sometime around August 29. Can be flexible within a few days of dates, but not under 26, unfortunately….. Thanks for the help.

Looking to plan a 3 week trip to Europe. Found a one-way flight from PA to Amsterdam for $400/person. I plan on going sometime in the fall. Not settled on a date or month yet. Anytime after September would be nice. As long as the weather won’t be too cold in Europe. I’m from Miami, and 40 degrees is freezing.
Any suggestions?

tdwhalen — check the links and strategies in our new user thread pinned @ top of this forum. I think BookingBuddyUK and Fly.co.uk are very good. KelkooUK also very good (and maybe not mentioned in that thread?).

@ yomax — not exactly sure what you’re asking, but here’s a go…. Consolidators often have good one-way fares to/from Europe. However, realize that in most cases you technically can not legally enter on a one-way ticket. You need proof of onward travel out of that border within the tourist-allowed entry days; you need to have that on you at arrival—not to be arranged once you’re in. Airlines are not even supposed to board you on one-way tickets without checking to see you have a visa or proof of onward travel. Also, you can get one-ways to Europe from Florida (LTU & Condor come to mind).