Best time to book flights

Sir_Stanley_Hubris

Is there an ideal time to book flights to get a good price but still have a good chance of upgrading to extra legroom / specific seat choice?

I'm looking to go to a European city (still to be decided) around April 20th 2020 with Jet 2 from either Leeds / Bradford or Newcastle. Usually I book about now as there are plenty of seats available meaning I can pick 2 x specific seats, usually extra legroom with a window seat, but I've often wondered if I'm paying top dollar because I'm booking early and should maybe wait a while longer.

Are flights released with seats highly priced that then come down in price if they don't sell or are they cheaper early on then getting more expensive as the plane fills? And in either case is there a particularly good time to book?

Caz3121

Jet2 flights are released for April 2021. April 2020 would not be classed as booking early as the flights have been out for 12 months

jonesMUFCforever

If you take Amsterdam as an example - do Jet 2 fly there?
If they do how do they compare in price against say EasyJet or Ryanair?
Is the price now comfortable for you (do you think it is a good price?) or not - if you think its expensive - otherwise book now and then forget about it?

fifeken

"Around April 20th" means it could include school holiday dates which attract premium pricing. I think you'll have missed out on the best prices if this is the case.

maman

I think you have to prioritise your needs.

If extra legroom/choice of seat/choice of date etc. is more important than making a saving then I'd just book ASAP. I don't use the airports you mention but choice of city will also come into it as some are definitely cheaper than others, both to get there and the cost of living when you arrive.

It's also worth thinking about a package/deal for a city break as they can often work out cheaper and they generally ask you to go onto the airline's website and sort your own seats.


While, for other holidays in the year,I can be flexible, I have one particular trip each June where I have to book the heavily subscribed accommodation a year in advance and also meet up with friends in the same position. I book with EasyJet on the day that flights are released. I may pay a bit more but it's worth it for me.

zagfles

Skyscanner have a tool to check specific destinations: https://www.skyscanner.net/bttb/best-time-to-book-uk

They should know as the "google" of flight prices. When I looked at it there seemed to be trend that for typical holiday destinations, it's better booking late, for typical business destinations, it's best booking early.

I've noticed the extra legroom seats are often empty, also when I've checked in last minute I've often got an extra legroom seat for free!

theonlywayisup

The best time to book flights is when you see a price you are happy with. You book then never look back.