My local news just ran a story about how when to purchase tickets at the optimal time. Data proves the answer is 54 days prior to departure. That is apparently the airlines measurement period and when prices are typically the lowest. However, I have always purchased far in advance for the best fares. Perhaps I will utilize this strategy the next time I purchase tix. One thing that I have found to b extremely helpful is too be flexible with your dates if possible. Everyone has their favorite sites, we use -cheapoair . com-, if I want to travel on the 10th I will still search for flights on the 8th, 9th,11th,12th also. Sometimes they will try to push you towards those flights anyways just to fill seats, and will offer them to you at a steep discount. We flew round trip from Detroit to Miami last October for $87 per ticket total, leaving Monday- returning Friday. Had we traveled leaving Wednesday- returning Sunday as originally planned, the same flight would have been $340 per ticket. This isn't a one off occurrence, I see it frequently in my searches. Saving baggage fees is important as is not upgrading your seats last minute, also not buying in flight entertainment and food/beverage. But my biggest savings have always come from flexibility of travel.