Holidays can be costly, especially when it comes to family travel during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s. My philosophy is to spend wisely and avoid unnecessary expenses. Here are some tips to help manage your travel budget, with my top recommendation being: Hurry!
by Rick Seaney | Contributor
Airline Ticket Shopping Tips
• Shop in advance: Don’t delay if you’re planning to fly for Thanksgiving or any December holidays. Last-minute deals are rare, so it’s best to purchase your tickets as soon as possible.
• Determine your travel dates: The most affordable days to fly during festive seasons are usually the holidays themselves. If you can travel early on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day, you’ll enjoy less crowded airports and a smoother experience.
• Compare ticket prices: Always use an airfare comparison site to check prices, including rates from Southwest Airlines (which doesn’t share its fares with other aggregators). Each airline doesn’t always have the best deals, so comparing is essential to ensure you don’t miss out on significant savings.
• Consider connecting flights: If you’re open to longer travel times and the kids can handle it, look into connecting flights, which are often cheaper than direct ones—and sometimes considerably so.
• Set airfare alerts: This is particularly useful for Christmas or New Year’s travel. It’s a quick process, and if you see a good deal, act fast because others will be competing for the same fare. Set up alerts at farecompare.com.
Is It Cheaper to Drive?
The answer is generally a cautious “maybe.” It’s not just about the cost of gas; consider the value of your time and energy, as long drives can drain most people. Also, take into account the vacation days lost to driving time and the mental fatigue—answering “Are we there yet?” multiple times can be exhausting!
Saving on Baggage (Consolidate)
• Packing wisely can lead to savings, so remember: less is often more.
• Carry-on bags: Opting for smaller hand luggage can save you $50 round-trip per person in checked baggage fees. Plus, carry-ons are less likely to get lost.
• Checked bags: With Southwest, you can check two bags for free, but larger bags can still result in delays while waiting for luggage.
• When traveling with Allegiant, Frontier, or Spirit, be cautious since they charge for both checked bags and carry-ons. Sometimes carry-on fees can be higher, but Spirit allows a free small bag that fits under the seat; check their website for acceptable dimensions and a helpful packing video.
See the How-To Video for Packing small bags at marketing.spirit.com.
If You Just Want to Get Away
If you’re not tied to family obligations during the holidays, here are a few suggestions to save:
• Look for budget-friendly cities: Great deals are often available to cities like Boston, Denver, and even New York and Washington, D.C., from Dallas-Ft. Worth and Love Field. In Europe, consider destinations like the Scandinavian countries or Dublin. For travel dates, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays tend to be the least expensive for domestic flights, while weekdays are preferable for international travel. However, the holidays may not follow the usual patterns.
• Explore hub-to-hub flights: For a straightforward trip, consider shorter flights to major airports such as Houston, New Orleans, or Fort Lauderdale. These competitive routes tend to be less impacted by holiday price increases.
Get More of Rick’s Tips at farecompare.com or @RickSeaney
