When should we book a summer trip to the Canaries?

Don't trust everything you read on the internet

Lap it up: hit Fuerteventura's beaches (Getty)

Q. My family plans to holiday in Fuerteventura this summer. Due to work commitments, we will travel Saturday to Saturday. Most information we've read says that flights are cheapest eight to 12 weeks before departure. We have been monitoring both airline websites and third-party booking sites but prices just keep increasing. Should we wait or book now? Amanda Godwin, Birmingham

A. Don't trust everything you read on the internet. In the right circumstances there can be merit in booking just a couple of months ahead. But a lot can happen between booking a flight and the intended date of travel. While some of these risks are usually insurable, many – such as a job found or lost – are not. By delaying purchase you can minimise the possible downside.

In some cases, there can also be a price advantage – which is where I imagine the unhelpful online advice comes in.

Fares for off-peak departures may start quite high. Then, if they are selling sluggishly, the airline may cut fares to stimulate bookings. This often happens, in my experience, six to eight weeks before departure.

But summer Saturdays are not off-peak. I would predict fares on attractive routes such as Birmingham to the Canaries on summer Saturdays to rise steadily from the time when they go on sale. It appears that this is what is happening on the flights that you are trying to book. So buy promptly. But before you do, consider booking a package holiday with a recognised tour operator. This will confer greater consumer protection.

You also mention "third-party booking sites". For straightforward European flight purchases, I can see no benefit in using one of these.