IMHO, the biggest problem with waiting is the possibility or probability of higher fares. Schedule changes happen and if they are significant enough, one can always get a refund. I booked for March, one ticket in miles (thanks to AA and the debacle I had getting there this year) and the other a cash ticket on Delta. I paid the extra fee for a refundable ticket. The world oil market and inflation off the charts points to pretty much higher prices for fares and about everything else. With the ticket I booked, I can change or cancel IF the fare drops but it was a fare I could live with and pulled the trigger.