To forward book or not to forward book - that is the question

[Rebekkap]

At the beginning of the year, during a relatively quiet period at work, I did all my trip bookings for the year up to the beginning of December - we book flexible, so figured I could alway change them if things change.

I'm reconsidering this strategy for next year though, as I'm starting to think having a bunch of forward bookings in the system isn't actually a good idea.

I didn't get any double status offers, for example, and am wondering if I would have if I had fewer forward bookings.

I have also yet to get a single op-up despite around 80 flights this (status credit) year so far - and I have been in the past.

Anyone have any thoughts?

cheers
Rebekka

 

[TheInsider]

If you are doing flexible tickets i'd book them now, just to avoid price hikes.

 

[Rebekkap]

If you are doing flexible tickets i'd book them now, just to avoid price hikes.

Certainly a consideration, but I'm also interested in how it affects things in the system.

 

[docjames]

If buying fully flex, the only advantage I see to purchasing some distance ahead of travel is certainty of booking the flight you want. Availability may be an issue booking later, but I dont believe price will fluctuate wildly (for the most part).

If booking fully flex, I see little harm booking only ~ 1 month in advance (with the exception of "difficult" weekends eg. long weekends, school hols, AFL/NRL grand finals etc.)

 

[Rebekkap]

If buying fully flex, the only advantage I see to purchasing some distance ahead of travel is certainty of booking the flight you want. Availability may be an issue booking later, but I dont believe price will fluctuate wildly (for the most part).

If booking fully flex, I see little harm booking only ~ 1 month in advance (with the exception of "difficult" weekends eg. long weekends, school hols, AFL/NRL grand finals etc.)

Yep, not so much thinking about price, more wondering how having many/few/no bookings in the system affects other things in the system - getting double status credit offers, for example, or upgrades.

I've had no trouble swapping flights on numerous occasions during the year, many with only a couple of days (or less) notice - so I'm not that worried about availability, more wondering about the effects of booking ahead vs not booking ahead on other elements.

 

[simongr]

I used to have only 1 or 2 bookings at most and never got an op up - I now have six and got my first op up last week...

I have never had a double SC promo. 2400 SCs this year and 2600 last year.

 

[TonyHancock]

I currently have over 3500 SC's of advance bookings in the system. I tend to book when I can get a good price or when a JASA is available. I'm currently looking at booking MEL-LHR for August 2012.

As for Op Ups I think i have had my fair share over the last couple of years, both with BA and with QF.