Experts are expecting steep increases in airline fuel surcharges, and fees for service-related services like checked bags or soft drinks that were once free to flyers. Airline schedules are being cut by 9 percent in order to offset high fuel costs. This will mean that there will be more people competing for fewer seats this holiday season.
The perfect storm will impact holiday travelers already feeling squeezed at gas stations and grocery stores, but holiday travel doesn’t have to cause migraines. It is easy for travelers to learn where and how they can find lower prices. Kayak.com, the largest global travel search engine, has these tips to help you enjoy stress-free holiday travel.
Book early to secure the best prices Holiday airfares are already up to 25% more expensive than last year. The price of remaining seats will rise quickly as planes fill up.
Avoid the rush hour. For a family of four, flying on holidays off-peak days can save you more than $100 per ticket. Christmas Eve or Christmas Day can be a great time to save. Avoid flying on the weekends and book flights on Monday or Tuesday.
– Forget customer loyalty. Frequent flyer miles are no longer as valuable. Book with another carrier if you can get a better deal. Low-cost carriers fly into cheaper airports, such as Long Beach and Burbank. They pass on the savings they make in airport fees to you, the customer.
Track airfares. Kayak.com provides a free fare tracker. It will send you emails every other day, or weekly, when flights to and fro your chosen destinations (and within your travel dates) are available in the price range you choose.
– The cost of a flight does not end at the ticket purchase. Kayak.com offers a chart that helps travelers estimate how much their trip will cost. It is located on the results page. This allows them to compare airline policies for baggage, food, beverage, and other fees.
Avoid the pull-out sofa. Kayak.com’s Hotel Search feature makes it easy and affordable to find a hotel that fits your budget, but is still close enough to visit your in-laws. Just enter your holiday host’s residence address to view multiple hotel options on Google maps.
To learn more about holiday travel and start saving money, visit www.kayak.com.
