Holiday Flight Prices Soar: Expert Tips to Save
Expect a significant hike in holiday flight prices this year, but don't worry! Discover expert strategies and timely booking advice to help you find cheaper holiday flights and save money amidst the predicted fare increase.
If you're starting to plan your year-end travel, it's wise to prepare for some sticker shock. According to travel analyst Julian Kheel, CEO of PointsPath, flight prices for the upcoming holiday season are expected to see a significant jump compared to last year. Fortunately, with the right strategy, you can still find ways to save on your holiday getaway.
Holiday Flight Prices on the Rise
Travelers should brace for higher costs across the board this holiday season. Domestic economy flights are projected to be 15% to 20% more expensive than they were last year. This trend isn't limited to flights within the country; international fares are also climbing, though at a slightly lower rate of 7% to 12%.
For those hoping to use their hard-earned credit card points or frequent flyer miles, the news isn't much better. PointsPath, which tracks flight costs in both cash and points, notes that award redemptions are also becoming more expensive. The number of miles required for a "free" flight will likely increase in step with the rising cash fares, so your points might not stretch as far as you'd hoped.
When to Book Flights for the Holidays
The number one piece of advice from experts is simple: book your holiday flights as soon as possible. Locking in a fare early is your best defense against prices that are likely to climb as Thanksgiving and Christmas draw closer.
However, your work isn't done after you click "purchase." Kheel recommends a proactive strategy:
- Book your flight now to secure your seat at a known price.
- Continue monitoring fares for that same flight in the weeks leading up to your trip.
- If the price drops, rebook your ticket.
This strategy works because most airlines no longer charge change or cancellation fees for standard economy fares (this often excludes basic economy tickets). If you find a cheaper price, you can cancel your original booking, receive a travel credit or refund for the full amount, and immediately purchase the new, less expensive ticket.
How to Find Cheaper Holiday Flights
Beyond booking early, flexibility is your greatest tool for saving money. If your schedule allows, consider these tips to cut costs:
- Fly on the actual holiday. Traveling on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day is almost always cheaper than the days surrounding them. Airports are typically less crowded, and you can find significant savings.
- Avoid the absolute peak travel days. Demand surges on specific dates, causing prices to skyrocket. The most expensive days to fly are usually the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the Sunday after Thanksgiving, the Friday before Christmas, and the Sunday after New Year's. Shifting your travel by just a day or two can make a big difference.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Higher holiday flight prices are an unfortunate reality this year, impacting both cash tickets and award bookings. The most effective approach is to book your travel early to avoid last-minute price hikes. But don't stop there—stay vigilant and watch for price drops that could allow you to rebook and save. By remaining flexible with your travel dates and understanding airline policies, you can give yourself the best shot at keeping your holiday travel budget in check. Before you book, always review the airline's cancellation and change policies to ensure you can take advantage of any future price drops.
