when to buy airfare

[Happytravels]

I have been watching the airfares just go up and up. I have reservations to NJ in September. I would be flying from IAH TO PHL. When would be a good time to buy? They just keep getting more and more expnesive. Or do you think by then there will be some sort of sale? The dates are Sept.22-29. That is after most of the kids are back in school and everyone is back to work.

 

[susieq]

Try Southwest's site, (sometimes one way fares are cheaper in the long run), or I've always had luck with Expedia. Good luck.

 

[wise one]

I usually try to buy my tickets as early as I am sure that I will not be changing my mind. So now would be a good time. However, Southwest from HOU to PHL is only booking for flights before 9/12. I just looked at SWA for 9/1 to 8/8 (three weeks before you want, but the same day of the week) and it gave me nonstop flights for $214.10 pprt.

I also check surrounding airports on both ends. I live in Cincinnati (CVG). I always check airports within 120 miles of my home. Those airports include Indianapolis, Dayton, Columbus and Louisville. That way, I get a larger number of airlines and can avoid the higher fares at CVG. CVG is one of the most expensive airports in the country, because of the Delta Hub. Since Bush International is a Continental hub, it may be the same way. With Houston, you have two "local" airports to check and with Philadelphia, you could check Baltimore, Newark, New York or even Washington National.