Best time to buy short and long haul flights

stezabel

We are a family of 6 in the Northwest (inc. one under 2 until December) and looking to fly to Naples (flying back from Rome) this October half term and to India next March. When is the best time to buy short and long haul fights, taking into account the number of seats we need; Now to get early discounts or later in the year to get the benefit of late reductions?
Any advice gratefully received.

jetboy

common times for seat sales within the low cost airline sector are November and January...but lots of them exclude half term flights.
Longhaul is a more variable feast. You could try registering with travelocity and using their faretracker or keep checking deals on https://www.cheapflights.co.uk

stezabel

Thanks Jetboy, much appreciated

phill79

I found a very good deal on this site:

http://www.flightcomparison.co.uk/flightcomparison/index.aspx

It compares different sites and from different airports all on one page.

mixu

I'd book flights for half-term as soon as possible as the only way the price is likely to go is up. Not sure when half-term is but summer schedule for low-cost airlines ends around 24 October so if you're returning later you may have to wait until July/August when flights go on sale for winter schedule. Flights with scheduled carriers, such as BA and BMI, will already be on sale.

The earliest time flights for next March will go on sale is this March — with increase in routes and capacity to India in recent years there should be some decent prices around later in the year.