How soon do you buy airline tickets?

[Ras Walleye]

Once I have travel dates I start checking a couple times a week. I also set up fare alerts at sites like kayak and Orbitz.
When I find a number I like I buy. Have gotten good deals 6-9 months out and just as good 3 months out and under 30 days. Get a feel for prices and wait for a number you can live with.

[sher]

Once I have travel dates I start checking a couple times a week. I also set up fare alerts at sites like kayak and Orbitz.
When I find a number I like I buy.

I do the same thing, but I could never get too close to a trip date without buying! I just don't feel comfortable unless I have my tickets booked. Fortunately we can fly SW from BWI to JA, so we get direct flights and can rebook if the price drops. The piece of mind from knowing my flight is booked is priceless!