Advance Planning - USA Dec 2017/Jan 2018 (Qantas)

[JB expat]

We are starting to think about a big trip next year to see my American family. We want to travel after Xmas Day and I'm wondering if we travel on the 31st (missing New Year's Eve on the ground) will we get a better deal than any other flight option? Note, I will be buying an upgradeable fare, so no Red e-Sale type ticket.

When is the best time to commit/buy the tickets?

Thank you and Happy Christmas/Holidays!

 

[Mattg]

I think it would be best to purchase tickets fairly early (around 9-10 months out). The only reason I would say it might be a good idea to wait is in case the flights go on sale, however that's probably not that likely given you're wanting to travel around Christmas. And in any case, the upgradeable fares are unlikely to become any cheaper - sale fares are generally not upgradeable anyway.

If you purchase the flights fairly early, you should be about to get "Saver" tickets on a flight of your choice at the lowest price. As the flight is likely to fill up, the price will only increase as the lower fare buckets sell out.

Regarding your theory about travelling around New Year's, I think the flight departing on 1 January would be least full (relatively speaking) - which could increase your upgrade chances. But all flights around this time are likely to be at close to 100% capacity.