Poppy2

With a family of 6, we want the best and cheapest options to fly home for a 3 week holiday in late August/early September 2012.

So far, it seems like Canadian Affair offer the best rates, but has someone got something else they might suggest to get the best deal?

Secondly, not being a frequent flyer, when is best to buy tickets? Now or nearer the time? I would be pissed off if I bought them now and they became cheaper nearer the time.

That said, with the Olympics this summer, might now be the better time to buy? Will the increased interest to travel to the UK push up ticket prices nearer the time?

All a moot point actually, cant afford the tickets right now, but knowing when is best does help!

Thanks!

el_richo

Buy when you can afford them and are comfortable with the price. Once purchased, don't look at the prices again.

Prices go up and down so nobody can guarantee anything on here for you.

jericho

If you're thinking Canadian Affair, I would wait until nearer the time. All this in the news about Thomas Cook would make me very nervous about booking in advance with them.

Also, consider US Airways. We're flying with them in a couple of weeks- Halifax to Philadelphia to Manchester. Total flight time, including transfers, is 9 hours. US Airways were the cheapest option for us.

Poppy2

I havent heard anything about Thomas Cook - will look into that. I will also check out the US carriers, thanks!

Siouxie

You can book direct with Air Transat rather than Canadian Affair - or if you choose to go with Canadian Affair then choose Air Transat flights - then you won't have to worry about Thos. Cooke

The Olympics finish on 12th August, the Paralympic games start on 29th August and go on until 12th September so you may want to fly there sometime between those dates. http://www.london2012.com/

You could try flybmi (BMI) as they offer flights flying on Air Canada but are slightly cheaper.

Alternatively, drive to Buffalo and get a flight from there, they are normally a lot cheaper.

Aviator

Air Transat and Canadian Affair are under the same ownership.

Jerseygirl

If you can be flexible with the dates I would wait until nearer the time. Definitely fly in September as July and August seem to be the most expensive months.

Siouxie

My point was that people were advising not to book through Canadian Affair because of the possibility of Thos. Cooke going under... therefore, to either go direct to Air Transat or book through Canadian Affair for an Air Transat flight.

Air Transat do indeed own Canadian Affair

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Affair

'On 14 July 2006, Canadian Affair was acquired by Transat A.T. for £20.4 million (approximately C$42.8 million)'