I was looking all week at airfare I wanted to book, and today prices suddenly jumped, why?

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MathMan TG

Airfares do jump around like that.

The airlines pour vast resources into "maximizing yield",
which means they watch what is going on and adjust prices all the time.

One simple explanation for what you saw is the following:
they allocated a certain number of seats at the lower fare.
after those were sold, the next higher price kicks in.

They also have very complicated rules about "advance purchase".
Flights within 14 days are one price, the same flight a week later (21 days ahead) is a different price, and so on. If you REALLY want to see skyhigh fares, look at
flights for "tomorrow" (whatever day that is).

You can check for nearby days to the ones you want.
If you can go a day or two earlier or later, it could make a big difference. Also whether or not you are staying over on a Saturday night.

For SEA-PHL, you probably don't have much choice,
but for some cities you could try different airports,
if they are not too inconvenient.

If you are on a really tight budget, and are flexible,
you can try priceline.com's "Name your own fare" deal.
You make an offer at whatever price you're willing to pay,
and they try to find you a seat. But ---
and this is a big BUT -- 1) you don't get to pick the airline or the time ("anytime between 6 AM and 10 PM") and 2) It is completely non-refundable.

(I've not been brave enough to try that myself,
although I have used them quite successfully
for hotel rooms at excellent prices.)

.

Q!?!

OMG! Have you seen all the stories about the airlines being in financial trouble! They are looking for any way they can to make more $$$, including charging for baggage etc.
The price of jet fuel is WAY up. I would suggest that you look at the website I have provided, but its a gamble. I guess it could go either way but personally I think its got only one way to go....UP.

gas prices went up

aiminhigh24u2

Summertime and $136 a barrel

Jay

4th of July holiday.

Summer vacations.

The cost of fuel.

If you want a cheaper rate, try going "stand by".

COOLJOHN

The price of aviation fuel has risen just like gas and diesel !!
You should have booked at the lower price when it was available - it will probably NEVER be that low again !!

Pocket Protectorate

Airline fares are constantly fluxuating, up and down, and we never have advanced notice of any changes...

(I work for a major airline)

Fares are like the wind...if you see a fare you like, grab it...it probably won't be around long...

averagebear

If you can get that ticket for around $300 for July, definitely buy it. You can watch for a drop tomorrow. If that does not happen soon, you'd better not wait. You might consider dates + & - a day and/or alternate airports, because those other options may soon be gone as well.

Fish P

Also one trick that i learn when i was searching for tickets in internet is to avoid buying them on the weekend. Try to book your flight on Tuesday or Wednesday because some airlines have special offers on those days.
Good luck

Earl Von Straussenburgerbecken

try www.kayak.com

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