Hello Ozbargainers,
I tried to find return tickets during the Christmas break between 2017/18 (although it is damn early) today.
But I had no luck finding a great bargain on the tickets.
So, I was wondering when it would be the best time to buy airfare tickets for flights during the Christmas/New Year break.
Thank you!
I don't mind anywhere! Europe and US will be my priority though
it is probably stating the obvious, but look for sales.
Eg Airasia I would say 14 months in advance. I dont know about Scoot but maybe maybe 6+ months Cebu Pacific maybe 9 months ahead.
You can forget about scoring cheap tickets to fly to The States during the Xmas/NY break (from 20th Dec - 03 Jan). I went to NYC twice for Xmas and NY and booked my tickets in January. After I booked them, I followed the price movements throughout the year and never saw the price dropped under $ 2200 per person.
The prices got really expensive by late Oct to early Nov so I'd say you'd better grab your tickets before October. There's no incentive for the airlines to give any discount during these periods because the demand outstrips the supply - simple economic.
I notice when I booked my tickets, all the front row seats at the exit doors had already been booked out. I believe these seats had already been booked by or allocated to travel agencies. Your best bet to get a slightly cheaper ticket might be to ask these TAs. If you could get one to NYC for $ 1800, I'd consider it a bargain.
Pro tips: never, ever visit Manhattan during Xmas and NY because it's really packed, crowded and everything is so expensive. If it wasn't to visit my in-law who lives there, I wouldn't go there again during Xmas. Yes, it's very Christmassy in NYC during these times but after a while, that magical feeling was slowly being replaced by frustration and anger.
Thank you Gorodemon for your thoughtful reply!
I take that into account when I search for plane tickets :D
I'd imagine the exit row seats would be booked out for those with high status.
Where are you hoping to fly to?