Expert: Roberto Gomes - 5/4/2008

Question
I am looking for a fare from NYC to Athens and am flexible within  a few days to
travel the first week of Oct.  Was wondering if fares or deals are cheaper or more
available on certain days or certain times??.....thank you

Answer
Dear Joanie,

Like any commodity, airline seats have a fare structure which is determined by bi-lateral governmental agreements. In this "fare basket" you will find different prices and along with them, different restrictions involving lets say - minimum stay, months of the year, days of the week and even hours of the day.

Once you selected the fare you are willing to pay, the next step is to check the restrictions applied to this particular fare. If you agree with all the terms (read them very carefully), you book a seat that is taken out from the flight inventory on that particular flight, date and segment you choosed. You will be advised to pay for the ticket until a certain date, otherwise your reservation will be cancelled. This process today is completely eletronic and it is very reliable. Also depending on the airline you can - and I reccomend - to pre-reserve you seat on board. The sooner you book and pay, the lower fare you may get.

Hope this helps. If you have any additional question, please let me know.

Best Regards,
R. Gomes