This is a good article from NY Times, and is probably indicative of where air fares are going.  My advice is has always been to book early to get the flight arrangements and seating your want and don't worry about the air cost - there is no way of predicting where it is going to go.  Additionally, if you can't get a seat by seat number, you are in an overbooked status and risk getting bumped - probably as likely as not, and it may be several days before you are able to get a seat.  Click Airfares