[jai*]

I have just locked in my dates for a trip to Paris in May, I haven't been to Europe in 10 years, and while I want to book my airfare now (they have the earlybird deals, not that I can lock one in online ) but I was wondering if there are any sales that will come up soon that I should possibly wait for.
At this stage it looks like I'll go with Emirates for $1900.
Any advice/information much appreciated.

[roses99]

No advice, but I'll be watching this thread with interest as I'm wanting to go next year too.

[Bek+3]

I worked as a travel agent for 6 years (out of the industry now) but I can say with certainty that there will be no better prices than now. In fact we're in second and third round of early birds. It would have been cheaper again to book before the 30th of November. You would have paid $1598 for that same Emirates fares that you are paying $1900 for now. I booked and paid for seats 2 weeks ago to London for September next year but I had to pay by the above date. I looked at prices after that date and yes, the price had increased!! Of course however, Earlybird discounted fares are not as flexible as higher paying economy class fares so you want to be sure of your dates.

[jai*]

Thanks Bek. The dates are locked in (work are not flexible and my Mum is going to be there at this time) - so I'm confident booking.
But I was hoping to pay around $1700 max. Oh well.

[starsg]

Do you have an iPhone OP? I've just downloaded the Skyscanner app which has found me some pretty good deals so that could be worth a try? A lot of the cheaper fares seem to be with budget Chinese airlines so I'm not sure how luxurious it would be. But definitely worth a look!

ETA: just punched in return flight to Paris CDG for 8-16th of may as an experiment and lowest rate returned was $1300.

This post has been edited by starsg: 14/12/2012, 08:18 PM

[kandj]

I'd be booking now! Early bird fares are about as good as it gets...and usually october/november are the best time to book them. But I still see a lot of deals out at the moment....I personally wouldn't wait

$1900 with emirates is still a pretty decent deal for May....

And I'll be downloading that skyscanner app - sounds like something I'd like perusing

[jai*]

Do you have an iPhone OP? I've just downloaded the Skyscanner app which has found me some pretty good deals so that could be worth a try? A lot of the cheaper fares seem to be with budget Chinese airlines so I'm not sure how luxurious it would be. But definitely worth a look!

ETA: just punched in return flight to Paris CDG for 8-16th of may as an experiment and lowest rate returned was $1300.

I have been using Skyscanner online, and I am happy to try a new airline. For that cost. If I research it (husband is a pilot/aviation enthusiast) - however my Mum will be flying back with me and she insists on flying Emirates - and she is paying
So I guess even though it's not costing me any money - I still feel a bit wasteful paying an extra $4-500!

I'll let you know what I end up with.

Cathay is about $1700 for the time I'm going, that's my pick atm!

[Justaduck]

I went a few years ago in May/June. I booked my airfares not even 4 weeks out from departure and they were $1400 return (to Frankfurt). That was flying with Thai

[jai*]

I went a few years ago in May/June. I booked my airfares not even 4 weeks out from departure and they were $1400 return (to Frankfurt). That was flying with Thai

It's tempting to wait. I can't imagine they'll go up too much more then the current prices... but I'm not much of a risk taker unfortunately!
I have leave and now accommodation locked in, so I think I better buy the airfare!

[carls888]

oooh we are going in July next year, I will check out that skyscanner.
C