Why are tickets so high?!

[Frank O]

I've gone to Ukraine 3 times in the past. Never paid more than $990 roundtrip. I called Continental/Klm today & tickets were $1,400 to $2K+!!!!
What's up with that? Why are tickets so high for June?! I'd figure this far out (late March) I could land a bargain. Anyone know?! Any suggestions?

[gator70]

... in response to Why are tickets so high?!, posted by Frank O on Mar 30, 2004

I was told the Germans have charters to Las Vegas. They are special priced. Thomas Cook airlines. If you are on the west coast this could be a way to get to Frankfurt cheap. Then there are many ways to get around Europe cheap this summer. Don't forget the special prices in to Las Vegas for USA destinations.

[davet]

... in response to Why are tickets so high?!, posted by Frank O on Mar 30, 2004

Last year when my wife was traveling to Russia, we found that certain dates - May 10 or June 10, etc were cutoff dates for the airlines to raise prices.  It was the start of increased traffic times and they raised prices accordingly.  By traveling 1 or 2 days before these times we cut our prices somewhat.  We also used Russia House and they had some great rates on Luthansa -- evidently they are a consolidator for them.  I don't know if Russia House or Luthansa serves Ukraine though.

[Yorkman]

... in response to Re: Why are tickets so high?!, posted by davet on Mar 31, 2004

Lufthansa flies into Kyiv and Russia House will sell you the tickets.

[romachko]

... in response to Why are tickets so high?!, posted by Frank O on Mar 30, 2004

I used priceline.com twice: once oversea and once domestic. You call a shot rather than you try to find discount web sites. If your schedule is fixed, it is very difficult to strike a deal but if your schedule is flexible, it might work. For trip abroad I started with a ridiculously low bid with the maximum two stops allowed. They counter-offered much higher prices. I patiently repeated my bidding for 3 days, upping my chip $20~50 at a time. I hit it when my bid price was about 30% off the lowest listed discount price. There was two stops on the way but one stop on the way back. I also purchased an insurance, for about $20, for medical and refund. I was satisfied for both foreign and domestic trips. Catch? I didn't know what airline would aacept my bid. I have to add also: although you can specify your departing time, you have no control on the time of arrival. In my case, for both abroad and domestic, my arrival time was exactly what I wanted. You might ask other people about their experience, especially bad ones. Don't take hear-say; listen only to the first hand experience.

[Jack]

... in response to Re: Why are tickets so high?!, posted by romachko on Mar 31, 2004

So what did you end up paying if you don't mind me asking?

[Lynn]

... in response to Why are tickets so high?!, posted by Frank O on Mar 30, 2004

Try skyauction.com  In the past I have bought tickets 1/3 or more below going rates from this site. The site does not always have flights listed to CIS countries, but if you check flights to Brussels/Vienna/Frankfurt/Paris there are often connections further for a set fee. Over half the tickets I have purchased in the past came from this site and I always researched every possible source for the best deal. I have also found, that if you decide to change your destination after you have bought the tickets, you can research flights going out of the overseas hub, locate a flight suitable to you, then go to the ticket counter for that airline at your airport with the info and request a change in flight plans and have it done with little or no charge------------you can't do that online or by phone. I know that this works------I have done it several times.

3 or 2cts from Dixie,

Lynn

[gator70]

... in response to Why are tickets so high?!, posted by Frank O on Mar 30, 2004

[This message has been edited by gator70]

The season. I will fly for 880 next month from the west coast. However a few days ago the prices were 490 for this same route round trip.

[Zoidberg]

... in response to Why are tickets so high?!, posted by Frank O on Mar 30, 2004

Frank... try Russia House Travel russiahouse.net and you may find a slightly lower price... I am also looking now for late May and early June. Prices are going up fast but I can't make reservations till I find out our interview date.

Z

[Jack]

... in response to Why are tickets so high?!, posted by Frank O on Mar 30, 2004

Because you waited too long.

Your buying tickets when the demands are the greatest and you have waited a little too long. I think if you had of bought this ticket a month, 6-weeks ago you would have been much happier with the price.

Holler at me Frank, have a few people who might be able to help you. Has Carlos got his ticket yet?

[Frank O]

... in response to Re: Why are tickets so high?!, posted by Jack on Mar 30, 2004

Jack, Hello! Carlos does NOT have his ticket yet either. We both freaked when we saw the increase. We were looking ot traveling/leaving on June 3rd so we figured it was enough advance time as I was told to purchase tickets 21+ days in advance to save money. Heck we're over 2 months in advance!!