Holiday Travel Costs Soar: Book Now for Savings

Holiday travel in the upcoming season is projected to be substantially more expensive, with airfare for both Thanksgiving and Christmas reaching a decade-high. This surge is attributed to persistent high jet fuel prices, prompting travelers to book earlier than usual to mitigate escalating costs.

Domestic round-trip flights for Thanksgiving are averaging $402, a significant 31% increase compared to the previous year. Christmas airfare is also impacted, with average domestic round-trip tickets at $452, up 23%. International travel to Mexico and Central America has seen a 23% fare increase, while Europe is up 15%.

Experts recommend booking trips before Halloween to secure the best available prices. Strategies for saving include considering one-way tickets instead of round trips, flying from larger hub cities, and being flexible with travel dates. International destinations may offer comparable or lower prices than domestic options for some travelers.

For Thanksgiving, departing on Monday, November 23rd, is the most affordable at approximately $370. Returning on Monday or Tuesday after the holiday can save up to $250. For Christmas, early departures around December 14th-15th are advised, while avoiding late December returns is recommended for savings.