How late to leave a booking?

[stevenaive]

I'm in Sydney. Have to fly to UK at short notice so I need a return ticket. Must be there by Sunday afternoon 21st August 2022. Must leave on 27th August to come back. Can be Manchester Birmingham or London but must return to Sydney.

Price are around AU$4K right now so pretty steep, and changing hourly. Sometimes they go up, sometimes down.

My question is, if I leave it to a day or so before what are my chances of getting a last-minute bargain (e.g. $3K or so) compared to being absolutely stuck and maybe paying over $5K?

Any other considerations?

Many thanks!

 

[Anna]

I wouldn't wait.

Rather than finding a 'last minute bargain' you risk finding no availability at all, and not being able to go.

 

[AIRwin]

Book a fully refundable ticket in case you find a lower fare?

 

[UP4014]

The price will likely increase, book now.

 

[Hvr]

Must be there by Sunday afternoon 21st August 2022. Must leave on 27th August

Must buy now. Or your luggage will get musty.

 

[Quickstatus]

Agree, there is no such thing as last minute bargain for airline tickets

Now or never

 

[stevenaive]

I jumped on on Monday and booked for $4,300. I looked yesterday and they'd gone up to $5,600 !!

Checked this morning and back down to $4,800 - crazy times

Agree, there is no such thing as last minute bargain for airline tickets

Now or never

 

[andye]

With prices that steep I would be checking other European ports (though realise connections are not ideal at the moment and Id be travelling HLO)
The Googleflights trick of entering multiple destinations/origins using the + button is useful in these circumstances

 

[dajop]

Look at separate tickets into Asia? Doesn’t come without risk but could be less risky if used QF -QF or BA-BA (both same plane)

Or 2x one way tickets?