waiting for sales??

[Jimster]

I am going to Rome on January 5. I have been there before in January and I love it then. It's cooler and the lines are shorter. I am returning on January 14 to ORD. As I look at air fares now they seem like there is room for winter sales to reduce the costs. Typically now they are running $850-900 although Air France is a bit cheaper, but not my carrier of choice- I prefer UAL. As we all know its a gamble what will happen to air fares, but I would like some opinions about when to purchase my tickets. In the past, BA and SAS have run sales to Europe at that time. SAS, would be fine since its a UAL partner and I'd even consider others in December if I haven't bought tickets by then. I could also buy UAL now and reprice later I suppose. I could also fly to London and take a LCC to Rome but I have never flown these and I know I might have problems with luggage weight limits. Ops let me rephrase, my wife might have problems with the luggage weight limits. lol I would also like to return from VCE instead of Rome if possible. I would appreciate input. Thanks to all Tuggers for their advice. I always find it very valueable.

[Carolinian]

Personally, I would always take AF over UA. The free alcohol in coach alone makes it the better choice.

BA miles trans-Atlantic are useless in AA's program, and on discounted fares next to useless in BA's, which is a shame because I have enjoyed flying with them. Flying them means throwing away $200 worth of potential ff miles.

I am sure there will be cheaper fares coming down the pike. One good place to watch is the Milage Run board on www.flyertalk.com

Personally, I also like the LCC option as it gives an opportunity for a stopover in London on Germany.

Originally Posted by Jimster

I am going to Rome on January 5. I have been there before in January and I love it then. It's cooler and the lines are shorter. I am returning on January 14 to ORD. As I look at air fares now they seem like there is room for winter sales to reduce the costs. Typically now they are running $850-900 although Air France is a bit cheaper, but not my carrier of choice- I prefer UAL. As we all know its a gamble what will happen to air fares, but I would like some opinions about when to purchase my tickets. In the past, BA and SAS have run sales to Europe at that time. SAS, would be fine since its a UAL partner and I'd even consider others in December if I haven't bought tickets by then. I could also buy UAL now and reprice later I suppose. I could also fly to London and take a LCC to Rome but I have never flown these and I know I might have problems with luggage weight limits. Ops let me rephrase, my wife might have problems with the luggage weight limits. lol I would also like to return from VCE instead of Rome if possible. I would appreciate input. Thanks to all Tuggers for their advice. I always find it very valueable.