Best time/way to buy Virgin Atlantic tickets

[ivrytwr3]

Son travelled to the US in August with a return date of December, we paid £1392 for Premium seats and 1 stop (LHR > Atlanta > BHM and return). He needs to go back out in Jan 25 - May 25, but prices are £2k for same route and specs.

He is a student, but any discount code we use doesn't seem to work on the Virgin site.

Is there a best way or best time to buy tickets?

 

[ivrytwr3]

Am using Skyscanner.

Dates are not very flexible. Uni starts back 6 Jan 25, so was hoping to get him there that weekend. He could go a few days earlier.

Coming back, he finishes 2 May 25, so wanted to give him the Saturday to pack and fly the Sunday. I would need to check if he can come back a little later, but i would be worried he may end up with accommodation or hotel charges if Uni accom is not available.