Flights to London

[Cliff]

I did a bit of checking on the costs of flights I could procure to London.  This is based on current travel dates.

Zurich- 254 CHF
Paris- €143

I assume most people can get cheap flights within Europe, so I didn't check very many European cities.

NYC- $434
San fran- $434
Dallas- $434
DC- $434

For some reason, all US flights are showing the same prices regardless of location (flights that we fly to, that is).  I checked going out to next Spring and they increase by about $200 (so $630), but prices tends to fall and rise again the closer you get to your travel dates.

Sydney- 1,478AUD (Price seems odd, as going out it's only 400AUD but the bulk of the price is coming back).  We don't fly to NZ, so I couldn't check that location Jan.    

Just something to think about.

[bocker3]

I priced out tickets for May, June, July and Aug from Washington DC to London.

May and June were in the $650-700 range.  July and Aug were in the $900-950 range.  So, the month chosen could add almost 50% to the airfare.

Now, I did this through American Express travel where I would be using some points to pay for most (may-june) or some (july-Aug) of the 2 tickets I priced (I'm bringing Sid).

Mike

[Cliff]

Just to be clear, my prices are discounted fares...and will be less than what you can get elsewhere.

It's a bit tricky to review flight prices, given how airlines manage their inventory.  Looking at prices for July Aug 2010 (even May) is likely to result in prices showing higher than what you will otherwise pay.  Airlines don't start discounting their fares that far in advance.  The prices will reduce the closer you get to your intended date of travel (but then increase substantially once you get really close to your travel date).

If you use Amex points, then the prices above would unhelpful as they are directly with the carrier.  Assuming airlines are still struggling to fill seats next year (and all indications are that this will be the case), then I would expect the discounted prices to remain $400-500 for US flights.

[Robert]

This is fantastic.  I'm looking at $1279 US from SFO during 'High' season (summer months...jun-jul-aug) so I put the kabosh on that. If you can help me with this fare then I'll change my vote to summer or whenever the majority wants.  I'm open on dates.  My only parameters are fares and you seem to have taken care of that.

THANKS~~~

robert

[GNYC09]

You may not need this anymore but kayak.com gives airplane fare predictions about 12 months in advance...

[Dennis]

Cliff,

For budget and price comparison purposes...I know the prices you are quoting are estimates. However, do they include taxes?

[fearless]

Sydney- 1,478AUD (Price seems odd, as going out it's only 400AUD but the bulk of the price is coming back).  We don't fly to NZ, so I couldn't check that location Jan.    

That would be a pretty good July/August price, Cliff - it is generally about $2000 at that time of year. It is always far more expensive to buy a return ticket going from Sydney to London than it is the other way, from London to Sydney. Go figure!

[fearless]

Cliff,

I meant to ask if the fares you quote include all taxes.

Steve

[OzPaul]

Hey Steve and Jan

I enquired with United Airlines which is my carrier of choice. A fare that is available with United by telephone only and originating and terminating in Australia is United's round the world fare. For 26,000 miles and 12 stops in one direction they have a fare of $3,300 inclusive, not too bad considering how far you can go and how many stops you can make.

If I'm able to go to London, I would likely go from North America as I will be there in August/Sept.

Thought you might like to know.

Cheers,

Paul

[Cliff]

Steve/Dennis- Sorry missed your note.  Yes, they included taxes and surcharges.