I’ve booked myself on an eclipse tour in August 2017 but I have to get myself there - and back. The tour starts in Cody, Wyoming, and ends in Phoenix, Arizona. I would very much like to spend some time in Washington as a tourist.
So I was thinking of travelling from Aberdeen to Washington and back on Icelandair, and the Washington to Cody and Phoenix to Washington trips on American carriers - Icelandair fly to Salt Lake City at a huge extra cost - but when should I book? It’s too early now, but should I book as early as possible, in September? Or wait a bit?
My requirement for leg-room means I will be travelling business class, if that makes any difference.
I was thinking of seeing the eclipse on the east coast and making a road trip of it, but I think driving from Phoenix to Houston to Savannah to Washington feels like a bit too much driving and not enough sight-seeing, and I’m already taking 2 weeks (plus Washington) as it is.
In general, I would say book as soon as possible for heavily-traveled high season flights. A few airlines might be offering lower fares, and when they are fully booked, the remaining flights will cost more. Fares typically rise steeply in the 3-4 weeks before travel, so book at least a month before you plan to go. Last summer, I dragged my feet too long, and it cost me an extra $300 to get to Istanbul. I’ve read a consensus that the sweet spot is about six weeks before flight date, but there is little consistent agreement on that.
I don’t think it is possible to book a flight more than a year in advance, so start looking at fares in September. That long in the future, fares can change according to currency exchange valuations, as the quoted airline fare is usually in the local currency of the airline.
Check your credit card issuer, and see if they offer free trip interruption insurance, especially if you are booking several months ahead. Lowest price tickets are not refundable, and have high fees for rebooking.