This year's Registration is now officially the shortest period before the Convention starts... and there has been no hint at it starting in the next few days.

I feel bad for those who will be going for their first this year, because it is so much more of a panic organising your travel plans before Registration has started, because you don't know what you are in for before you have to lock in your expensive travel & accommodation.

I remember how bad it felt in 2010 when it felt like last-minute for me, but I didn't realise it was still 6 weeks before the convention. Back then I would wait until Registration before booking flights, so that I didn't spend more time than I needed (or not enough time), which means missing out on cheap seats or whole flights when it is that close.
Now that I tend to plan and book before Registration (and look for options to fill in time if needed), I don't get as stressed out... but I'd be a nervous wreck this year if I had waited.