Holiday travel can often feel like the perfect storm of stress and expenses, especially when it’s time to book those airline tickets. With the winter holidays around the corner, many families are already planning their trips home or to festive getaways. But as anyone who has tried to book flights for Thanksgiving or Christmas knows, the costs can skyrocket.
Recent data from Hopper’s Q3 2024 Consumer Travel Index suggests travelers should brace themselves, as airfare prices are expected to peak in December, averaging around $283 per ticket. That’s not exactly pocket change, especially for families or those planning group trips. Based on years of experience flying home for the holidays, many travelers are on the hunt for strategies to keep these expenses under control without missing out on family gatherings or holiday cheer.
For many, holiday travel means long-standing traditions like flying cross-country to reunite with family. One traveler shared her experience: "For almost a decade, I lived on the opposite coast from most of my family, but I still made it a priority to be home for the holidays. And our cross-country airline tickets usually cost much more than $283 each." With the arrival of children, budgeting became even more important. Traveling with kids means extra tickets, which can ramp up costs significantly.
Whether you're off to visit family, taking part in holiday festivities, or just planning to escape to somewhere special, there are smart ways to navigate holiday airfare without breaking the bank. Here are some practical tips and techniques gleaned from experienced holiday travelers.
Planning Hacks for Holiday Travel
Start Early
The mantra "the early bird catches the worm" rings especially true when it concerns holiday travel. Many seasoned travelers recommend booking airline tickets as early as possible. Prices can fluctuate dramatically, but during the holiday season, they tend to rise steadily. So, securing those tickets early, ideally when the fares become available, can lead to significant savings later.
Monthly Savings
If you can foresee future travel, why not start saving now? One clever traveler suggests establishing a dedicated savings fund for holiday travel. By estimating the total cost of your round-trip airfare and breaking it down to monthly savings, upcoming expenses become much easier to manage. For example, if you aim to save $1,500 for three tickets costing about $500 each, setting aside $125 each month throughout the year can ease the financial burden come December.
Leverage Airline Rewards
Frequent flyers should absolutely cash in on airline rewards programs. Many airlines offer credit cards, which can rack up miles and redeem them for future flights. A review of which rewards program works best for you is always worth the time. Some travelers, like one woman who often flew from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, found success using Alaska Airlines’ rewards credit card to accumulate miles. With point transfers, you can even convert credit card points to airline miles, allowing for bigger savings when booking flights.
Explore Nearby Airports
If you’re situated near multiple airports, take the time to check fares from all of them. Sometimes, driving just a tad longer to a farther airport can lead to savings of hundreds of dollars per ticket. One traveler recommended exploring options from various airports to find the most wallet-friendly choices.
Keep An Eye On Sales
Throughout the year, airlines may run flash sales or special promotions. Staying vigilant about these offers can bring big savings. Just be cautious about blackout dates during the holidays. Some travelers have successfully used promotions tied to their credit cards to snag great deals, often utilizing features like Southwest’s Companion Pass, allowing one traveler to fly with you for just the cost of the taxes and fees.
Be Flexible With Dates
Have some flexibility built right within your travel plans? It’s time to put it to good use. Traveling on the actual holiday, like Christmas Day or Thanksgiving, or even adjusting the days around can help avoid peak airfare prices. Flexible dates can mean cheaper options. Remote workers can benefit significantly by extending their trips early or late to avoid heavy traffic and high prices.
Factor Bag Costs Into Total Expenses
The cost of checking bags often varies widely between airlines. Not all airlines offer free checked bags, and some budget airlines might charge for carry-on baggage. Keep this cost in mind when comparing rates, as it can influence the overall amount you’ll pay. Having insight on bag policies before confirming plans and taking advantage of perk offers tied to loyalty programs could save you money too.
Arrange Airport Transportation Wisely
Traveling to and from the airport doesn't have to cost you more than your ticket. While ridesharing services like Uber can be convenient, they can also rack up some hefty charges. Instead of opting to park at the airport, think about asking friends or family to drop you off. If it’s slightly out of their way, offering to share gas expenses can still keep costs lower without taxi fees adding on.
Consider Borrowing Travel Gear
Travel-related purchases can pile up quickly, but many essentials can be borrowed. Instead of spending on expensive suitcases or travel cribs, see if friends or family can lend you some items. Renting equipment can also be surprisingly affordable and convenient.
Pack Your Own Snacks
It may seem minor, but packing your own snacks can help cut costs significantly. Airport food is notoriously pricey, and you can avoid high markup by bringing your own quick bites. TSA allows quite a few food items through security, including most solid foods. A bit of planning here—like granola bars or fruits—can stave off hungry tummies without gouging your pockets.
Prioritize What Matters
When it all boils down, every traveler has different needs. Convenience can be worth extra costs sometimes. Recognizing what’s truly important to you alters the decision-making process. If foregoing comfort makes your trip more stressful, it might be worthwhile to pay extra. Everyone has unique priorities based on their travel style, family size, and other factors. Learning to save where possible, yet splurging on the essentials can make picking travel options easier.
Holiday travel is often fraught with chaos and costs, but armed with the right strategies, it’s possible to navigate the challenges effectively. By planning early, saving consistently, leveraging rewards, and being aware of cost factors like bag fees and airport transportation, travelers can enjoy their holiday journeys without feeling the financial squeeze as acutely. After all, the holidays are about enjoyment, family, and free of stress whenever possible. With these tips, families might just find themselves enjoying their family vacations without worrying too much about money.
