I wish to take my family to Los Angeles next Easter. As there are five of us, and no direct flights from Scotland, I want to know if I am better booking now, or would I get a better deal nearer to the time of departure? Dave Hardcastle, Sterling

Sunday Times travel expert, Richard Green, responds: It can be a nerve-racking business, trying to decide the right time to book your flights. There are no hard and fast rules either, as there are so many factors involved that can affect the availability and price of flights between now and the time you are planning to fly.

On balance though, and looking at the busy time of year that you plan to travel, and as there are five of you, I'd suggest booking now. There are fares from Glasgow to Los Angeles from about £400, with British Airways (via Heathrow) or KLM (via Amsterdam), and that is very good value.

There might be other special ad-hoc offers between now and when you are travelling, but they are impossible to predict, and as in some instances there are only five or ten seats at the very lowest fare (after which the fare ratchets up), chances are you might struggle to get fares as good as they are now. In general, fares go up as the aircraft seats fill up, and seat sales are only really used to fill up flights and routes that are selling badly. It's unlikely that LA will be in that position before Easter.

Also, booking now does mean that you can budget for the rest of your trip with some confidence, rather than wait, find the fares have shot up, and then have less money to spend while you are in the States. Also, you'll have peace of mind, knowing that you are all set, with bookings at good times on the right days, with convenient connections, and with a good airline. Leave it nearer to the time, especially at a busy time of year around Easter, and you'll probably have to start compromising with one, or all, of the above.

So I'd say bite the bullet and book soon. Contact a few reputable companies; like Trailfinders (0845 0585858), Travel Mood (0800 0111 945), Ebookers (0871 223 5000), Airline Network (0871 700 1711), Opodo (0871 277 0090), Expedia (0871 226 0808), or STA Travel (0871 2300 040).

Times recommends

• Dubai cheaper than Doncaster as room rates tumble
• World Cup 2010 - how to follow England
• Copenhagen: Europe's greenest city