Recommendation- best time to book economy fares from Perth to Europe in Summer?

[Glider_]

Good morning everyone,

I was wondering if there is a 'sweet spot' in timing to book economy fares without points to Europe in July/Aug?

Should I book what I can now, or are there likely to be new offerings closer to Summer?


I do have a specific route in mind which I'll be asking about in the Requests forum soon (PER- TXL- MUC -PER 22/7 - 28/8/2014), but am asking this question in a more general sense for future travel to nonspecific European destinations.


Thanks!

 

[drewbles]

As this is peak season for Europe, travel bargains are likely to be few and far between. There may be ways to lower it a little, but it's not going to be a period where heavily discounted fares are available unfortunately.

 

[Glider_]

That's exactly what I thought.

My main concern is shooting myself in the foot by leaving it too late in hope of a better deal, but then have preferred dates, carriers and aircraft be fully booked. However, I'm not sure if leaving it 'too late' is considered 6 months in advance or 3 months in advance etc.

 

[zainman]

Hello and welcome to the Forum!

What are you hoping to pay for your flights? As in what would you consider to be a great deal? for me I would be looking at paying a little bit extra, purchasing miles through USDM/AA/LM/AS and redeem J flights!

 

[Glider_]

Thanks for your welcome Zainman,

At the moment I see $1800 return per person in economy with only one stop on a reputable carrier (with a380 along the line if possible) as a good deal.

I'm a complete novice when it comes to miles and schemes and tricks, which is why I joined the forums. I'd love to travel closer to the front of the plane for a bit more but I just don't yet have the knowledge to figure out how to do it afforably. MrGlider and I are starting from scratch as of now with some FF memberships but virtually no points and no savvy about options.

 

[zainman]

Thanks for your welcome Zainman,

At the moment I see $1800 return per person in economy with only one stop on a reputable carrier (with a380 along the line if possible) as a good deal.

I'm a complete novice when it comes to miles and schemes and tricks, which is why I joined the forums. I'd love to travel closer to the front of the plane for a bit more but I just don't yet have the knowledge to figure out how to do it afforably. MrGlider and I are starting from scratch as of now with some FF memberships but virtually no points and no savvy about options.

Start reading more about Lifemiles (LM) and you can also take advantage of the Alaskan airlines 40% mileage bonus deal. Essentially you purchase miles in their program (from time to time you get a bonus on these purchases) which you can then use to redeem for flights. They have partners like CX, EK, QF etc.

You could use Lifemiles to get tickets on TG (thai airways) to europe in J. They currently do not have a mileage bonus on but the next one will be in April. You can search for potential flights on TG using united.com

 

[Glider_]

Fascinating. I've just started the 1900 page Lifemiles thread for Avianca, but you mention Alaskan.. do multiple airlines share the LifeMiles program?

...Nevermind, just having a look at the LM website now.

If you join and have points in multiple *A carrier FF programs can you pool points in the one booking somehow?

 

[zainman]

If you join and have points in multiple *A carrier FF programs can you pool points in the one booking somehow?

You could potentially book two one-ways to complete a trip. So PER-TXL and MUC-PER could be 2 separate bookings..

 

[drewbles]

US Airways Dividend Miles is probably a better option, and will be part of OneWorld in a month or so too.

 

[zainman]

US Airways Dividend Miles is probably a better option, and will be part of OneWorld in a month or so too.

Currently no bonus offers when it comes to purchasing (that I am aware of) and no one-way awards either. But yes that would be my choice also if the 100% bonus was still on.

 

[Glider_]

From the very early pages of the LM thread, it seems to indicate that LM suits people who like direct and simple itineraries and is online only, and the USDM suits people who have more complicated ones and you need to book over the phone. Is that generally correct?

Our itineraries are likely to be very simple and direct, the most complicated being open jaw. And I like doing things online (I tend to get flustered easily on the phone).

But then if there was a problem, it'd be much worse trying to discuss it with LM in a spanish/english/dogs breakfast conversation.

 

[Glider_]

I should be more specific about my travel habits I think;
Normally 1x single destination or open jaw PER - Europe per year, plus 1x single destination PER - Asia and perhaps 2x domestic flights per year, for 2pax.

 

[zainman]

I should be more specific about my travel habits I think;
Normally 1x single destination or open jaw PER - Europe per year, plus 1x single destination PER - Asia and perhaps 2x domestic flights per year, for 2pax.

if you prefer doing it online, I'd be looking at Lifemiles. Much simpler!

 

[quokka77]

+1 for LifeMiles (but no detailed knowledge of USDM or Alaskan). Sign up for an account (for yourself and your partner) now so you can take advantage of the next purchase period.

 

[joyvee]

Qatar are having special at moment but bit misleading as advertised prices are for low season but can get ideas.
e.g. $1735 to London
See this link
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/132620 JoyV