Airplane tickets - When to Buy

[JamesBon92007]

Late October tickets on Delta from Richmond, Va. were $718 yesterday. Today they are almost $200 more. What gives? The earlier October dates are $1098.00 I'm not sure whether to wait and see if they go down or purchase now. Anyone have any info on trends?

I noticed that the price of tickets in June - Sept are in the $700 - $800 range. I don't know if that is because they are less popular times to travel or because they are closer departure dates.

I feel like I'm playing airfare roulette!

About the only thing I've found to be consistent is "don't fly on weekends." Tuesday is supposed to be a good day to buy tickets, but I've seen cheaper fares on Wednesdays. Buying way in advance does not seem to help--sometimes they seem to want to sell those last few seats at the last minute. If you are travelling alone often the last seat on the plane will be discounted. Tickets generally seem to be slightly less during hurricane season.

 

[bcaderunr]

Airfare from Denver to Bonaire in June dropped to an 8 month low today (under $600). Good time to buy a ticket.

In the current (May 14) issue of Bloomberg Business Week on page 72, it says that American is beginning Daily non-stops from Miami to Bonaire starting in June. Maybe that's putting some downward pressure on fares.

 

[tursiops]

Daily

That should be weekly, on Saturdays, according to AA.

 

[Trailboss123]

Agreed! We can go to Cozumel 2 times for the cost of one ticket to Bonaire. However, we've done Cozumel for the last 5 - 6 years. Bonaire has been our bucket list. We are really looking forward to the freedom it offers.

If you stick to a week long shore dive only package in Bonaire, you can make up a good bit of the difference in airfare. You could even throw in some boat dives too and come out pretty similarly, since boat dives are so well priced in Bonaire when purchasing a shore dive package. Coz and Bonaire are my 2 favorite places in the Caribbean, so I bounce back and forth. They offer very different, but equally enjoyable experiences that appeal to me. Have fun!

 

[ljwillia]

If you stick to a week long shore dive only package in Bonaire, you can make up a good bit of the difference in airfare. You could even throw in some boat dives too and come out pretty similarly, since boat dives are so well priced in Bonaire when purchasing a shore dive package. Coz and Bonaire are my 2 favorite places in the Caribbean, so I bounce back and forth. They offer very different, but equally enjoyable experiences that appeal to me. Have fun!

I've ordered BSDME. Looking forward to planning our shore dives. At this point, we're not planning to do any boat dives. Of course, by the end of the week we might change our minds

 

[tursiops]

I've ordered BSDME. Looking forward to planning our shore dives. At this point, we're not planning to do any boat dives. Of course, by the end of the week we might change our minds

I really like boat dives in Bonaire. Easier than shore dives (except from in front of your resort), inexpensive, and you get to go to some different sorts of places and/or places you can't get to from shore. And there is a dive guide with you who might show you some stuff you might not find on your own.

 

[tkaelin]

I agree with Tursiops and others re boat dives. Especially if staying at Buddys, at least think about it. The boat is right there. You get to see the island from a different perspective and you won't find them any easier or less expensive. Always nice to do some boat diving on Bon.

 

[AdivingBel]

Everybody is different and ain't that what makes the world go 'round... I luv Bonaire for the dive freedom. The way I combat the increase in airfare is to stay an extra week (airfare is less of a percentage of the overall cost). So I guess I'm just feeding the beast... Anyway, Bonaire is worth it (and don't THEY know it) for the unique dive experience it is. I do LUV me some Curacao though...

 

[tkaelin]

Amen to that!

 

[morecowbells]

I am envious of those who are able to secure decent airfare to Bonaire. For some reason flying between St. Louis and Bonaire has become cost prohibitive. I love Bonaire and hope to return soon, but with AA now offering three flights a day into Curacao it is a far more affordable route and if there is a snafu with a connecting flight, you can still get to the island on the same day.