If you want the secret to finding the cheapest airfare this holiday season you’ve come to the right place.
I plan to reveal my secret weapon in the war against high airfare.
But, first, let me tell you why you’re going to need my tip more than ever this holiday season.
According to travel analysts, steeper fuel costs and fewer available seats on many U.S. flights are translating into some of the highest holiday airfares passengers have ever seen. Airfare experts say Thanksgiving ticket prices are averaging 3% to7% higher than last year and the last-minute sales for off-peak holiday travel — for example, flights leaving on Thanksgiving and returning the next day — are scarcer than ever. What’s more, if you were planning to fly to Detroit, Washington or Houston to enjoy a hearty turkey dinner with loved ones this year you may already be out of luck. Analysts say those cities have lost the most airline seats for peak travel dates this Thanksgiving season.
Okay, that’s the bad news.
The good news is I have found what I consider as one of the best travel websites in cyberspace. Farecast.com has crystal ball powers. The website uses past airfare data to predict future airfare patterns and therefore can tell you when to book to get the best deals.
For example, according to Farecast, if you extend your trip past Thanksgiving weekend to return on Monday or Tuesday you can save $60-$100 per ticket this year. If you plan to be with family for Christmas, Farecast suggests avoiding the popular Friday or Saturday Christmas departure dates — December 21-22 — doing so could save you over $90 per ticket. Another suggestion: avoid a return flight on New Year’s Eve. According to the website, that decision could help you save at least $25.
So when should you purchase your tickets in order to get the lowest fares?
This is key: Farecast.com said many Christmas itineraries experienced price drops in the past on October 1 and October 14-15.
You can sign up for e-mail alerts or get free airfare predictions for your holiday travel by clicking here.
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