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The holiday season brings joy, festivities, and cherished moments with loved ones. However, amidst all the celebrations, the prospect of navigating the bustling world of holiday travel can seem daunting, especially with soaring airline prices. Thanksgiving and Christmas, in particular, usher in high travel demand and surging fares. But fret not; we’ve got your back with some savvy tips to help you master the art of holiday travel.
1. Early Birds Get the Deals
Booking your flight well in advance might seem like an obvious piece of advice, but its importance cannot be overstated. Travelers who plan their holiday trips ahead of time stand to save significantly. According to data from Hopper, early birds can save up to 18 percent on domestic airfare and 15 percent on international flights for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The key takeaway? When it comes to holiday travel, procrastination doesn’t pay.
Airfare prices have been on the rise, and as of September 2022, they’ve soared by 42.9% compared to the previous year. That’s why, when you book early, you’re not just securing your seat; you’re potentially saving yourself a considerable amount of cash. So, this holiday season, remember that the sooner you book, the lighter your wallet will feel.
2. Timing Is Everything
Predicting the optimal time to book your holiday flights isn’t an exact science, but several travel apps and websites can lend you a helping hand. Tools like Hopper and Google Flights can provide you with insights into when airfares are expected to rise or fall. Be sure to use them to your advantage and make informed decisions. After all, when dealing with high holiday prices, every dollar saved counts.
3. Embrace the Off Days
While it’s tempting to travel on the weekends, you might want to rethink this strategy during the holiday season. Fridays and weekends are the most popular days for travel, which often translates to higher prices and crowded airports. Instead, consider taking a day off during the week for your journey. Traveling on a weekday can not only save you some cash but also spare you the stress and commotion of the holiday rush.
In fact, traveling on the holiday itself can sometimes be a budget-friendly option. So, check your schedule and consider unconventional travel dates that align with your budget and sanity.
4. Seek Nearby Airports
When heading to major metropolitan destinations like New York City, Atlanta, or Chicago, you’ll discover that you have a choice of multiple airports. While it may be tempting to opt for the one nearest to your final destination, exploring nearby airports can often yield more affordable fares. So, be open to considering alternative airports within the same region, especially during the holiday season. Your wallet will thank you for your flexibility.
5. Explore the Explore Function
If you’re feeling adventurous and haven’t settled on a specific holiday destination, the ‘Explore’ function on Google Flights can be your best friend. This nifty tool showcases top travel destinations with the most budget-friendly airfares, starting from your location. Within the ‘Explore’ function, you can fine-tune your search for specific or flexible travel dates, making it easier to find the best deals. Additionally, Google Flights allows you to set fare alerts, ensuring you’re notified when ticket prices drop or rise, helping you seize the best opportunities.
6. Cash in Those Travel Rewards
Throughout your travels, you’ve likely accumulated a treasure trove of points and miles. The holiday season is the perfect time to put these rewards to good use. Data from Nerd Wallet reveals that airlines like Jet Blue, Delta, American, and Southwest offer an average of 1.5 cents per mile. If you’ve been a frequent flyer over the past year, now is the moment to cash in those hard-earned rewards and offset your holiday airfare costs.
In a world where holiday travel prices seem to climb higher every year, these tips are your trusty allies. They can help you carve out savings, navigate the holiday travel landscape with confidence, and perhaps even make your holiday season a little merrier. Remember, when it comes to holiday travel, a pinch of planning can go a long way, ensuring that your cherished moments with loved ones are the focus, not the fares.
