Economist warns that the 'ideal booking window' for holiday airfare is rapidly closing, resulting in travelers missing out on the best deals.
- The average cost of a domestic round-trip airfare for Thanksgiving is approximately $270, while for Christmas, it is around $400 on average, according to Hopper.
- Prices have remained stable in the past two weeks, but are predicted to increase shortly.
- Hayley Berg, lead economist at Hopper, stated that travelers will miss out on the chance to save if they delay.
If you haven't bought your fall and winter holiday travel yet and are looking for a discounted airfare, you need to act fast.
Travel experts predict that ticket prices will increase in the near future, despite their recent stability.
Booking now is crucial for travelers to take advantage of savings, according to Hayley Berg, lead economist at Hopper.
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A survey of 500 Hopper app users in early October revealed that 85% of those who planned to book holiday travel had not yet done so, while only 15% had already made their reservations.
To book at the best price quickly, decide on your travel plans and keep in mind the relevant information.
Fares could get much pricier within days
"Now is the end of the ideal booking window where holiday airfares are constant, and prices tend to drop and become volatile until mid-September to mid-October," said Berg.
The average cost of a domestic round-trip airfare for Thanksgiving remains at $268, which is the same as three weeks ago, according to Hopper data. On average, domestic round-trip flights for Christmas are still hovering at $400.
After Oct. 14, it is likely that prices will increase and finding the best travel deals will become more difficult.
On average, prices will increase, although there will be a lot of volatility following this weekend, according to Berg.
If you have set travel dates between commitments such as school or work, don't wait until the end of October to find deals, as there may be some available.
Prices for Thanksgiving fares are expected to increase by about $30 per day in the last three weeks before the holiday, according to Hopper.
Waiting for Thanksgiving at the last minute adds a considerable amount of expense, as stated by Berg.
Hopper predicts that in the days leading up to Christmas, travelers may experience price increases of approximately $40 per day.
Secure your flight and confirm your seating
Holiday airfares are not yet entirely sold out, but travelers who wait too long may miss out on nonstop flights, flights on the best times of day, and popular dates.
As the number of travelers increases this year, it is likely that fares will become more competitive, according to Elizabeth Ayoola, a personal finance writer at NerdWallet.
During the holidays, individuals who want to avoid summer crowds and heat may increase travel prices, as stated by Ayoola.
If possible, take one of the first flights of the day, as you are two times more likely to experience flight delays or cancellations after 8:00 a.m., according to Berg.
Nonstop flights may be more expensive, but they can help travelers avoid missing connections due to flight disruptions.
Holiday travelers experienced a lot of turmoil due to weather and air traffic disruptions last year. To avoid any inconvenience, it's essential to plan for potential delays or cancellations.
According to Phil Dengler, co-founder and head of editorial and marketing of travel site The Vacationer, holiday travel numbers are predicted to be similar or higher than those from 2019.
If your travel plans are interrupted, it's important for travelers to consider purchasing travel insurance and familiarizing themselves with their rights.
Travelers can have peace of mind by ensuring they have a seat on their desired flight, even though it may come at an additional cost with most airlines.
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