"Valid From" Date on EEA FP?

For those who have an EEA Family Permit, does it have a "Valid From" date or simply a "Date of Issue"? I'm trying to figure out flying options at the moment.

I'm currently waiting to expedite my EEA FP application. (All my remaining necessary documents from my husband arrived in the post today!! But the British consulate in LA is closed until the 16th, says the expediter. So, here I wait.) And I would like to book my flight now.

On my application I stated that my travel date would be 24-Sep-09, but I just found a cheaper flight for 23-Sep-09. Do you think it would be safe to book? Or are the EEA Family Permits issued as valid from the date of travel you have specified on your application?

Thank you all for any insight!

That's so funny, I'm just sending stuff off to an expediter to have mine pulled (foolishly sent it in myself) after the LA consulate opens back up, and I was planning on getting out of here on the 25th!

Spooky.

You guys, really, DO NOT make any travel plans until you have your passports & FP's back! We have seen TOO many people get burned by planning & booking flights only to lose their money and have to rebook due to delays at Consulates. UKBA & WorldBridge advise you not to plan travel until the return of your passports and I believe that in both your cases you're making these decisions and spending money and you may not even get your FP's (worst case scenario) but it has happened before.

Well of course not. That would be silly. By "planning" I meant that "gee I hope I can still get decently priced tickets and leave on that day once I get my stuff back." If I need to leave later, I need to leave later.

stephoodle, how crazy would it be if we end up choosing the same flight from LA. but then again, i haven't decided yet whether to fly to london or edinburgh.

webyj, thanks for your concern and word of warning. i'll take it into consideration.