Flights - cheaper now or closer to travel date generally?

ClassicMad

Hi

I've never booked flights on their own (always in a package) and we're off to Ireland in August. Generally, is it best to buy tickets now or nearer the time... do prices go up or down nearer the travel date?

Thanks

Obviously_the_best

Depends what the airline is, with Ryanair they seem to go up and down sporadically, however the advice on this board seems to be 6 weeks before?

With a proper airline prices just seem to go up and up, best to book early

ClassicMad

We're aiming for Aer Lingus, loathe to fly Ryanair (due to problems in the past just for those who have already assumed I am incredibly stupid and follow others like I'm a sheep!)

aerostar

ClassicMad wrote: »

We're aiming for Aer Lingus, loathe to fly Ryanair!

There is nothing wrong with Ryanair IF you follow and obey their rules - don't and it will cost you --- it is down to you !

Bob_the_Saver

ClassicMad wrote: »

We're aiming for Aer Lingus, loathe to fly Ryanair!

Sad ............................

antenna

ClassicMad wrote: »

We're aiming for Aer Lingus, loathe to fly Ryanair!

You have just defeated the point of this website,saving money is the aim,not believing all you read about Ryanair written by people who dont even have photo id.

ClassicMad

My feelings on Rynair aside... they are way more expensive than Aer Lingus to begin with so they're not even in the picture! And my aim is to save money, hence the question to buy now or not to buy til later?

jpsartre

Have a look at prices on the route you looking to fly at various dates. That should give you an idea of whether or not prices tend to go up or down when the departure date approaches.

When are you looking to fly and where to/from?

ClassicMad

jpsartre wrote: »

Have a look at prices on the route you looking to fly at various dates. That should give you an idea of whether or not prices tend to go up or down when the departure date approaches.

When are you looking to fly and where to/from?

Stansted and Southend are our nearest options - we're taking 2 children + mother in law so want minimal travelling - so options are Ryanir at Stansted, or Aer Lingus at Southend... travelling on 17th Aug returning 24th to Dublin.

antenna

Ryanair are cheaper now and there is a possibility that they will get cheaper.......whereas Aer Lingus are more expensive and will probably go up.

ClassicMad

antenna wrote: »

Ryanair are cheaper now and there is a possibility that they will get cheaper.......whereas Aer Lingus are more expensive and will probably go up.

Where are you getting the Rynair quote from please? With all the bits they add on with regards to baggage etc they came out more than Aer Lingus by approx £100 when I checked...? Direct from Ryanair or somewhere else?