Best time to book flights for April 2006?

xinran

I was wondering when I should look to book my flight to Faro going next April (first or second week of the Easter hols)?
Last year I booked on the spur of the moment in January for the same time, and got flights for £87 each all incl., which I thought was reasonable. However, I'm told that for DIY it is best to book flights early.
I've been eagerly awaiting the low cost airline bookings for April 2006, and have so far found the cheapest available flights at £149.99 each.
I realise that a lot of the low cost airline searches are not including dates that far ahead yet.
Any advice?
Should I leave it until after Christmas again?
Many thanks

trisontana

I booked two tickets for Faro for next April a few weeks ago. This wasn't with a "low cost" airline but with First Choice ,flight only. This was from Birmingham and came out at £130. The price includes allocated seats and a meal. This avenue is worth exploring and sometimes a flight only deal can work out better than the so called low cost airlines. Sometimes even booking with such airlines as BA or TAP can work out cheaper. The full price airlines allow you to book up to 11 months in advance , so making the price even cheaper. Last year we got tickets with BMI , Heathrow-Madrid for £66 return by booking 10 months in advance.

I have just done a quick check with BA and they are quoting a price of £116.30 for Gatwick - Faro , out on April 3 and Back on April 10 , inclusive of all taxes. So ,as you can see, you sometimes get a better deal with a "conventional" airline.

trisontana

I have just re-read your post and you did mention you wanted the flight in the Easter holidays. Even for those dates it's the same price. £116.30 out on Sunday 23 April and back 30 April. Here is BA's web site :-

http://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_gb?audience=travel&countrycode=gb

fifeken

Low cost airlines summer flights (April onwards) won't be released until just before Christmas 2005. You don't get many good deals during peak periods like Easter holidays, so if you see a bargain before that you might want to grab it.

xinran

Thank you for the advice, and the push that I needed.
After several hours on the net, I have just booked with Iberia going Wed 5 April and returning on the Thursday13th - school holidays in Hampshire - from Gatwick, for £48.30 each, inclusive of all taxes.
This was through the Airmiles Travel Co, although I didn't use any airmiles.
Thanks again.

trisontana

xinran wrote:

Thank you for the advice, and the push that I needed.
After several hours on the net, I have just booked with Iberia going Wed 5 April and returning on the Thursday13th - school holidays in Hampshire - from Gatwick, for £48.30 each, inclusive of all taxes.
This was through the Airmiles Travel Co, although I didn't use any airmiles.
Thanks again.

That's great news. As you have found the so called "full price" airlines can be cheaper than their cut-price counterparts.Also with Iberia you will get more leg room and an allocated seat , but I don't think you get any food or drink included. Even so it's a very good price.

jane_4-2

does anyone know any codes for cheap flights to malaga in september