Melb to LAX Aug 2016 - when to buy tickets

[JB expat]

Hi - looking for advice as I've made some bad ticket purchase decisions in the past (in terms of timing). I have set dates that I need to travel on next year (MEL to LAX return) - 2 adults. I will be trying to upgrade with points so I will be buying the cheapest UPGRADEABLE tickets which I believe are the SAVER tickets (not the cheapest SALE tickets). Does the price of the SAVER category change all that much? RT per person is about $1800 right now - not sure if this is good/bad - what it always is - etc. Anyone have an opinion on the best time to buy (assuming it does fluctuate/drop from time to time)?

Thank you

 

[mooingchicken]

Im going to assume this is with QF?
Just heard on the radio that QF fares are going up $10-40 domestic and upto $400 for international as of today but im going to assume this is mostly for the flexi's but may have some impact on the saver etc.

 

[Hvr]

There's an old maxim when buying tickets: once the date is confirmed then buy them and never look at the price again.

The price will go down the day after you purchase them. Life happens and you've got yours and hopefully have chosen the seat you want.

 

[JB expat]

Im going to assume this is with QF?
Just heard on the radio that QF fares are going up $10-40 domestic and upto $400 for international as of today but im going to assume this is mostly for the flexi's but may have some impact on the saver etc.

Yes - with QF

Ugh - re: increase - fuel is dropping so what is explanation

 

[JB expat]

There's an old maxim when buying tickets: once the date is confirmed then buy them and never look at the price again.

The price will go down the day after you purchase them. Life happens and you've got yours and hopefully have chosen the seat you want.

My normal pattern is buy them as soon as I have dates, and then check price daily and get really upset! My main concern is that although we have the dates and are 95% sure that all is locked in, there is a 5% chance that we will change plans (not dates - but taking our children with us rather than having them at home with grandparents) - and if we take them, will stay in US longer. Will give myself 24 hours to think about it and make a call - thanks for input

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I guess the other factor is your success record with upgrades? For me the ~$1600 extra (for two pax) just for the chance to enter the upgrade lottery is a hefty price.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

My normal pattern is buy them as soon as I have dates, and then check price daily and get really upset! My main concern is that although we have the dates and are 95% sure that all is locked in, there is a 5% chance that we will change plans (not dates - but taking our children with us rather than having them at home with grandparents) - and if we take them, will stay in US longer. Will give myself 24 hours to think about it and make a call - thanks for input

Then the other issue is potentially splitting the family. 4+ upgrades is almost certainly unlikely.

 

[JB expat]

I guess the other factor is your success record with upgrades? For me the ~$1600 extra (for two pax) just for the chance to enter the upgrade lottery is a hefty price.

I've had luck - with LA, by flying on days that most business travelers wouldn't fly on - like over on a Tues and back on a Sunday (as business travelers would lose too many work days), I have had success more often than not (knock on wood).

 

[Boca68]

When to buy tickets?

Over the years, I've read many articles on the suggested best time to purchase. From memory, its ranged from 6 months to 21 days out. The decision I've come to, is that there is no such "time". Its just pot luck. I think you have a little time up your sleeve. Just watch the prices, set up an email alert, and purchase. As others have suggested, after purchase, don't look at the prices again.

But, as your wanting an upgrade, I'd purchase as soon as you can. The earlier you do, the higher up the queue you will be, increasing upgrade chances. If they is going to be 4 travelling, it will be unlikely, even on the quieter days as you suggested.

 

[JB expat]

Then the other issue is potentially splitting the family. 4+ upgrades is almost certainly unlikely.

Absolutely, this is on my mind as well.