Business Class - International - how soon are fares announced?

[turneeri]

We're looking at travelling to France in Sept 2012 in business class with whatever airline will offer the best priced ticket. Looking at MEL-LHR - chunnel to Paris - CDG-MEL or LHR-MEL. I know it's early stages yet but when do airlines usually release their fares for this time period? - I see that there are a few airlines showing fares up to May 2012 now but was hoping to jump in as quickly as possible to snaffle the "cheaper" fares as they are released. Is this a good strategy or should I be thinking of other options? I noticed that Malaysia Airlines had a fantastic deal a couple of months ago for travel in 2012 but we've only just decided to take this trip so I missed out on $4800 business class fares!!

 

[Dalescott]

Keep your eye on Best Flight, they have May 12 on now. I'm looking at May/June next year. Got cheap tickets on China Eastern (which was OK, but just ordinary) for March this year. Which I bought in Feb this year at Flight Centre, Melb sale.

UK and Europe - Cheap Flights - Phone Flights Results

 

[medhead]

Fares are released roughly 12 months in advance. Not sure about when to buy. They usually have advanced purchase sales towards the end of the year for the following year.

 

[extracta]

You need to keep your eyes open on the route and airlines you want to use.

I use this site to input my flight dates and it gives me a range of airline providers you can use.

Cheap Flights, Cheap Airfares from Australia - Airfares Flights