I just tried to book fares Sydney to Perth over Christmas 2013 and they are not available on Virgin yet.

I just tried to book fares Sydney to Perth over Christmas 2013 and they are not available on Virgin yet. I can only book to Dec 7 or thereabouts. Is that normal' procedure to not make fares available 11 months out?

It varies airline to airline (and also varies depending on whether you're paying or redeeming points), and even if you book at the earliest possible date that won't guarantee the cheapest fare as they usually have sale fares 6 months out.

10 months to 14 months lead time is normal as airlines can't be certain about their timetable further in advance.

For Virgin, I believe the lead time is 330 days.

Yep, I actually asked about this at today's Sabre briefing and they said it's 331 days. Good news is that under Sabre, and thus as of next Monday, you'll be able to select your seat from that 331 day mark as soon as you make your booking.

Hi David,

Is that seat selection for domestic only or for long haul as well?

I think it is for both domestic and international flights because the new Sabre system is for all of Virgin's flights - domestic, international short haul and international long haul.

Sorry, I'm not David!

Just be aware that in the course of 11 months there is a good chance you may have a flight schedule change and, as the A/C often aren't assigned to the route until weeks out, the seat you select now may not be available come travel time.