Holiday travelers: expect to pay more
Travelers this upcoming holiday season should be prepared to pay more…a lot more.
Farecast says holiday fare hikes are inevitable due to a “perfect storm†of higher fuel costs, fewer flights and high consumer demand.
How much more?
The Web site, which monitors millions of air fares, says holiday travelers will pay up to 40% more to travel during Thanksgiving, and 30% more to travel at Christmas and New Years.
“We’re talking about upwards of $100 per ticket,” said Mike Fridgen, director of product management.
That means the average fare for a Wednesday departure/Sunday return during Thanksgiving would cost $490, and $420 during Christmas, says King 5 television news in Seattle.
Mr Fridgen recommends being flexible about travel days.
“If you’re willing to return on a Monday or Tuesday you can actually save up to $90 per ticket if you’re willing to be flexible that way,” he said.
He also recommends taking advantage of free “fare alerts” by phone or e-mail.
“What we found is that there are 50 percent more price drops during the holidays than at any other time of the year. It’s that volatile,” Mr Fridgen said.
Most fare drops happen the first two weeks of October.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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