Traveling US - Mumbai/Goa Dec. 2009 When to Book?

dharma-jim · Apr 21st, 2009, 04:53

Is it too early to book flights for the end of the year?

Do flights fill up and prices increase over the US/EU holidays, so book early or better to wait?

Thanks,

D-J

anandkerala · Apr 21st, 2009, 05:23

Booking early is the best option as the price increases during the holidays. And also the price of fuel can go up anytime and that will in turn increase the charges and tax on the ticket.

dharma-jim · Apr 21st, 2009, 05:48

One travel agent told me to wait but I think you are correct.

We'll have to add Kerala to our trip now...

anandkerala · Apr 21st, 2009, 05:52

You are welcome to Kerala- Gods own Country. Before booking you tickets please cross check with all the airlines about the early bird discounts available and compare them. Most airlines offer reduction in prices when you book in advance.
Happy Journey.

nycank · Apr 21st, 2009, 06:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by dharma-jim

Is it too early to book flights for the end of the year?

Do flights fill up and prices increase over the US/EU holidays, so book early or better to wait?

Thanks,

D-J

Flights do fill up, prices do fluctuate. However you'll find differential pricing dates leading upto Dec 15th; and Starting Dec 15th onwards which is considered peak holiday season as colleges and universities.

FF tend to book much later, as they mostly fly on business; Occasional Flyers on vacation schedule tend to book as much in advance as possible.

bruce3404 · Apr 21st, 2009, 07:07

I think you'll get killed price-wise if you book this early. There will be NO sale prices available to you. This is a down travel year for most people due to the poor economy. Unless you can find a sub $1200 RT fare now, wait until at least mid-Sept when the airlines announce their after-summer sales, unless your dates are inflexible, in which case you'll have to bite the bullet and pay more to guarantee seats on the days you choose to travel. If that's the case, you still have a couple of months to search around for the best early-booking fare you can find.

nycank · Apr 21st, 2009, 07:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruce3404

I think you'll get killed price-wise if you book this early. There will be NO sale prices available to you. This is a down travel year for most people due to the poor economy. Unless you can find a sub $1200 RT fare now, wait until at least mid-Sept when the airlines announce their after-summer sales, unless your dates are inflexible, in which case you'll have to bite the bullet and pay more to guarantee seats on the days you choose to travel. If that's the case, you still have a couple of months to search around for the best early-booking fare you can find.

All good advice. Predicting fares is difficult, but post LaborDay US airlines will load their winter sales.

Sub1200 fares are available ex-MIA on AA in conjunction with AI for BOM.

dharma-jim · Apr 21st, 2009, 08:19

That's why I thought it might be best to book early , we are taking the family - 5 total - and the earliest we can leave is Dec. 18 and return the first few days of January. It's too bad we can't stay longer. Our choice is June for maybe 3+ weeks but my memory of South India after May was that it was pretty uncomfortable and I want the teens to have the best possible experience.

nycank · Apr 21st, 2009, 09:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by dharma-jim

That's why I thought it might be best to book early , we are taking the family - 5 total - and the earliest we can leave is Dec. 18 and return the first few days of January. It's too bad we can't stay longer. Our choice is June for maybe 3+ weeks but my memory of South India after May was that it was pretty uncomfortable and I want the teens to have the best possible experience.

Start looking at farecompare.com (not too useful international) vayama.com is another. As I mentioned earlier, once the schools/colleges break for vacations - Discounts are difficult. Depending on where you initial airport is, pricing may vary.
MIA is a big hub for AA; Orlando will get you Virgin(VS), Air France(AF)

You'll be flying typically in what is considered peak i.e school/colleges are typicall off and families travel to India.

Good luck - keep us informed.

Spando · Apr 23rd, 2009, 20:10

Ive booked my flights from London - Mumbai - Goa for november earlier this month - prices fluctuate so much I prefer to bite the bullet buy now and have it all paid off by the time I go

nycank · Apr 27th, 2009, 05:46

PRACTICAL TRAVELER
Airfare Debate: Buy Now or Wait?

excerpts from the article...

Quote:

And practically every online travel site has its version of a fare alert system to offer potential customers a heads-up when airfares drop on a given route.

But predicting airfares is a bit like forecasting the weather. Even with the most sophisticated technology, you can still be way off. Ultimately, travelers must decide for themselves when to push the buy button.

to which I say YMMV

bruce3404 · Apr 27th, 2009, 07:54

I read that article yesterday. Didn't really say anything, did it?

nycank · Apr 27th, 2009, 11:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruce3404

I read that article yesterday. Didn't really say anything, did it?

Yup

Except one new website I had not heard of... I guess last paragraph summed it up.

Apr 21st, 2009, 04:53	#1
dharma-jim Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 6	Traveling US - Mumbai/Goa Dec. 2009 When to Book? Is it too early to book flights for the end of the year? Do flights fill up and prices increase over the US/EU holidays, so book early or better to wait? Thanks, D-J

Apr 21st, 2009, 05:48	#3
dharma-jim Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 6	Thanks One travel agent told me to wait but I think you are correct. We'll have to add Kerala to our trip now...

Apr 21st, 2009, 08:19	#8
dharma-jim Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 6	Christmas break is time constraint That's why I thought it might be best to book early , we are taking the family - 5 total - and the earliest we can leave is Dec. 18 and return the first few days of January. It's too bad we can't stay longer. Our choice is June for maybe 3+ weeks but my memory of South India after May was that it was pretty uncomfortable and I want the teens to have the best possible experience.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Mumbai - Goa - April 2009	Mona0607	India Travel Partners	8	Apr 27th, 2009 13:21
Mumbai mid Dec 08, Goa end Dec, Hampi, Chennai, Mamallapuram and beyond...	joeysie	India Travel Partners	7	Dec 3rd, 2008 03:37
Mumbai to Goa Dec 08 - Looking for a cycling partner	mahalini	India Travel Partners	2	Nov 27th, 2008 03:20
dec 08,Delhi,Mumbai,Goa	Lowlander	India Travel Partners	9	Nov 25th, 2008 14:13
Delhi - Goa - Delhi 27th Dec 2008 - 4th Dec 2009	thirsty_traveller	Domestic India Flights	3	Sep 30th, 2008 20:33

Apr 21st, 2009, 05:23	#2
anandkerala Account Closed Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Trivandrum, Kerala Posts: 24	Booking early is the best option as the price increases during the holidays. And also the price of fuel can go up anytime and that will in turn increase the charges and tax on the ticket.

Apr 21st, 2009, 05:52	#4
anandkerala Account Closed Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Trivandrum, Kerala Posts: 24	You are welcome to Kerala- Gods own Country. Before booking you tickets please cross check with all the airlines about the early bird discounts available and compare them. Most airlines offer reduction in prices when you book in advance. Happy Journey.

Apr 21st, 2009, 07:07	#6
bruce3404 Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Eugene, Oregon USA Posts: 352	I think you'll get killed price-wise if you book this early. There will be NO sale prices available to you. This is a down travel year for most people due to the poor economy. Unless you can find a sub $1200 RT fare now, wait until at least mid-Sept when the airlines announce their after-summer sales, unless your dates are inflexible, in which case you'll have to bite the bullet and pay more to guarantee seats on the days you choose to travel. If that's the case, you still have a couple of months to search around for the best early-booking fare you can find.

Apr 23rd, 2009, 20:10	#10
Spando Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Scarborough UK Posts: 44	Ive booked my flights from London - Mumbai - Goa for november earlier this month - prices fluctuate so much I prefer to bite the bullet buy now and have it all paid off by the time I go

Apr 27th, 2009, 07:54	#12
bruce3404 Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Eugene, Oregon USA Posts: 352	I read that article yesterday. Didn't really say anything, did it?