When to Book Budget Airline Tickets?

Hintza

I might need to go to Parma in Italy in April next year for the U18 Six Nations Rugby Festival.

I am not too worried where I fly into as there seems to be a few options within 3-4 hours drive (Milan, Pisa, etc maybe even Rome at a push). Having had a look at flights departing in the 2nd week in April they are quite expensive.

So my question is (and I am sure it has been asked before) when is the best time to book? Obviously this will depend on demand and I can understand that I might miss the boat so to speak. Is there a general rule of thumb?

richardw

It is the Easter Holidays and there is a festival on, I think the only way is up for flight prices because demand is high. Flights generally go on sale for travel at periods of low demand.

Hintza

Oh drat didn't realise it was easter damn!

BenL

If you can book now, book it. The price is more likely to increase than decrease.

Voyager2002

Before booking with a 'no-frills' carrier, check out the fares on the 'full-service' airlines. Milan is a major international hub that attracts loads of business travellers, and so it receives a large number of flights. I am sure that there are bargains there if you look hard enough.

And forget about driving to Parma: Italian trains are both cheap and efficient.

Francophile

A friends daughter who used to work for Ryanair told me that 8 weeks prior to the date you wanted to flight was the optimum time to book. However as you are planning to go at Easter the same rules don't apply. The sooner you book the better as Easter is very popular.

Hintza

Voyager2002 wrote: »

And forget about driving to Parma: Italian trains are both cheap and efficient.

I love driving in Italy, the thrill of full contact sport!!