Questions and Answers

I’m familiar with [URL=’https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackfriedman/2018/04/03/airfare-best-time-buy/’]this article[/URL] regarding the optimal relative times to purchase tickets. I’m wondering how that is affected, if at all, by flying into and out of a small airport. The specific case is that I’m trying to help my mom (and her friends) save some money on a round-trip from Charleston, WV (CRW) to New Orleans (MSY). Right now they’re about eight months away from their trip. I have their accommodations running Tuesday – Tuesday, since those are currently the lowest price flights. Looking today, what I’d pick are some Basic Economy seats that use different airlines each way and cost about $321 round-trip per person.

As context, my wife and I jumped on round-trip tickets CHO to SFO for $292 each 145 days out and I haven’t seen anything better (or even as good), so I know the optimal period is just a guideline, not a hard-and-fast rule.

I’m new to all this, and what I’m looking for is a framework for how to think about and evaluate what’s currently available vs. what might be available later. If all my mom is likely to be able to save is $10, I’d just lock in the price now, but if she’s reasonably likely to be able to save a substantial amount without much risk of losing the tickets or significant price increases, I’d wait and see. I have a sense that the likelihoods are affected by the fact that she’ll be utilizing a small airport.

Any insight will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Xandy

[USER=5955]@Xandy[/USER], airline pricing is very opaque and it’s virtually impossible for a lay person to tell how things will go. I would suggest using a tool like Google Flights or the hopper app to see what is predicted and then base your decisions on what you are comfortable with.