Traveling during the holidays can put a strain on your budget, particularly for family get-togethers during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s. My advice is straightforward: Act quickly!
by Rick Seaney | Contributor
Airline Ticket Purchasing Strategies
• Buy now: If your holiday plans include Thanksgiving travel, time is of the essence. It’s also wise to secure your December holiday tickets at this time. Expecting last-minute deals is a mistake; those discounts are becoming a thing of the past. Purchase your tickets as soon as you can.
• Determine your travel dates: The least expensive times to fly during holiday seasons are typically on the holiday itself. If you can depart early on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day, you’ll encounter less crowded airports and a smoother travel experience.
• Compare ticket prices: It’s essential to evaluate different airfare options by checking various search engines and including Southwest Airlines in your comparisons, as they don’t share their data with other platforms. No airline consistently offers the best rates, so thorough comparison shopping is crucial to avoid missing out on major savings.
• Consider connecting flights: If your schedule allows, consider flights with layovers; they often come with lower prices compared to direct flights, and the savings can be significant.
• Sign up for airfare alerts: This is especially helpful for those planning travel around Christmas or New Year’s. Setting up alerts takes mere seconds, but don’t delay if you find a deal you like—others will be looking for the same opportunities. To set up these alerts, visit farecompare.com.
Is Driving More Cost-Effective?
The answer is typically a hesitant “maybe.” Beyond just fuel costs, you need to evaluate the value of your time and energy since long car trips can be taxing. Think about whether the drive will cut into your vacation days and don’t forget the stress of endless “Are we there yet?” from the kids.
Cutting Baggage Costs (Pack Smart)
• Packing smart can lead to savings, so remember that less can be more.
• Carry-on luggage: Using smaller bags can help you avoid checked baggage fees, which often cost around $50 round-trip per person. Plus, there’s the added benefit of not having to worry about lost luggage.
• Checked baggage: If you fly Southwest, you can bring two bags at no additional cost, although you’ll still face waits at the baggage carousel. Larger bags can lead to delays.
• For airlines that do charge for luggage, such as Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit, check their policies carefully. Sometimes fees for carry-on bags are higher than for checked bags. Spirit does offer a free small bag that fits under the seat; check their website for size specifications and a helpful packing video.
Watch the How-To Video for Packing Small Bags at marketing.spirit.com.
If You’re Looking for a Getaway
If spending holidays with family isn’t a requirement, here are a couple of tips to explore budget-friendly travel:
• Identify affordable destinations: Recent trends show good deals to cities like Boston, Denver, and even New York and Washington, D.C. from Dallas-Ft. Worth and Love Field. In Europe, consider visiting Scandinavian countries or Dublin. When planning your travel dates, note that Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday often provide the best fares for domestic flights, while weekdays are generally better for international trips, though holiday travel can vary from these norms.
• Explore hub-to-hub connections: If you’re opting for a simplified route, look for short flights to major hubs like Houston, New Orleans, or Ft. Lauderdale. These competitive routes often experience less fluctuation during busy travel times.
Discover more tips from Rick at farecompare.com and follow him on @RickSeaney.
