Just compared booking flights 3 months out versus 6 weeks out for a trip to Lisbon

I tracked prices for a trip from Chicago to Lisbon for two months. Booking exactly 3 months before the trip got me a round trip for $580. When I checked again 6 weeks before, the same flight was over $900. The difference was about $320, which paid for most of my food budget. I think the sweet spot for international flights is right around that 3-month mark. Has anyone else found a better time frame for booking flights to Europe?

4 comments

4 Comments

willowg882mo ago

My last trip to Dublin, I was so proud of booking four months out. Then I saw the price drop two months before and I almost cried into my overpriced airport sandwich.

pat_stone2mo ago

That price drop feeling is the worst. But what about when you book a layover to save money and the direct flight price drops to match it? Happened to me for a trip to Spain. Saved nothing and got an extra three hours in Frankfurt. Do you just accept the risk or is there a better way to guess when to buy?

ray_williams2mo ago

What about flights with layovers versus direct?

the_paul2mo agoTop Commenter

Have you ever considered the hidden costs of a direct flight? Sure, you save time, but layovers can cut the price in half on longer trips. That extra cash could pay for a nicer hotel or better meals at your destination. For me, the money saved is almost always worth a few hours in an airport.