What is the general opinion when the likes of Ryanair, Easyjet etc state that there are only 2,3, or 4 seats left on a flight. Is it a come on to get you to book or is it genuine. What do you reckon?

I'd be inclined to believe them. I took various flights last year with Easyjet, outside of peak season too, and each one was either completely full or with just a couple of seats bare. They've obviously got the web marketing and flight optimization game down to a fine T.

In the case of Ryanair they say only so many seats left at this price. Sometimes the price goes down.

Are they not saying that there are only 2 (or 3) seats left at this price.?
I cannot remember when I travelled on a Ryanair or EasyJet flight that was totally full, most have at least a few empty seats somewhere.

My OH used to work for a travel company which also operated an airline. Every time 9 seats were sold on a flight, the price was increased. As other posters have said, it really means only x seats left at this price.

If I remember correctly with easyjet if it is seats at the price they say that so if they say seats left I presume that's what they mean. I know when my wife booked the other week it said 1 seat at this price after she booked price had gone up £10

Remember the cookies folks - if you look at these sites, cookies get downloaded automatically and then if you re visit later to buy - they know you have already looked once and this time you have returned to buy so the prices go up!

At least that's what I heard...........any Geeks out there care to comment?

It's possible, although many cookies are set with a timing self-destruct. You can get around it by using a different browser, a different machine or mobile device, or using browser tools to delete cookie history (you can normally delete individual site cookies, so you don't lose log-in details on other sites)

certainly not when we booked the other week, as we went back a couple of times it only went up after the wife had booked and paid, as I say it did say only 1 seat at this price.

Naivety in the extreme I take it ?

You surely can't be blowing anyone elses trumpet Stevie, you already have enough to start a band ?

I have often seen flights which had only two or three empty seats. Allowing for the no shows / late cancellations, I am inclined to believe these flights were fully booked.

It would be interesting to see if there was any price variation by using an IP changer and give the impression you are in another country .