If you have expectations to travel between Thanksgiving and New Year, here are things to consider:
Santa can offer a bit of good news. Airline fares this fall/winter are a little lower than last year. This August, the last month for which data is available, the average domestic fare was down 6.8 percent compared with the year before. Experts predict that the trend will continue.
Tickets already are going fast for the peak travel days around Christmas and they also are lower – by 3 percent – than last year. You might find even bigger savings on the discount carrier routes, such as Spirit and Frontier airlines. The larger carriers are keeping an eye on the discount fares and the could be good news for travelers across the board.
Both Christmas and New Years days fall on Friday, so many travelers making the return trip will hope to be aboard flights on either Saturday or Sunday. Fares could be higher for those days, although still a bit lower than last year, according to experts with CheapAir.com.
Keep an eye on fees that will increase your travel costs, particularly the fees charged for checking luggage and for changing tickets. Southwest still does not charge baggage fees on the first two prices of luggage. If you can, cut down on the amount of luggage you have to pay for by shipping gifts ahead of time. Postage is likely less expensive than baggage fees. Or buy gift cards that provide the recipient with his or her choice of gifts without adding bulk to your packing.
Try to minimize your baggage by getting what you need into a carry-on that will fit under your seat. If fees are unavoidable, pay them before the fact. They are higher at the airport.
Expect your flights to be crowded. Home for the holidays is an aspiration of millions of Americans. The most-used airlines are now filling 80 percent of their flights, even the less popular early-morning and late-night options. More people are opting to pay the price for elite travel – larger seats, better leg room – somewhat limiting the availability for families. The larger the group, the sooner you need to get plans gelled.
Whatever particular needs or desires you want to include in your travel plans, the first advice is still the best. Do it now and travel with less hassle and more comfort. And do your part to minimize stress by planning now to exercise holiday cheer despite lines, glitches and general tension that are part of the seasonal travel.
