Traveling during the holidays can be an extremely stressful situation. Not only is it a popular time to travel, but tensions are already high with the stress of the holidays. If you’re not careful, you can make a mistake or two to compromise your travels. However, it’s typically a small price to pay to spend time with loved ones.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the biggest mistakes people make when booking flights during the holidays. If you want smooth travels this holiday season, avoid making these mistakes. Let’s get started!
Do Airline Tickets Go Up During the Holidays?
Rising ticket costs follow the economic principle of supply and demand. With limited seats available on flights and increased demand, airline tickets typically skyrocket during the holidays.
If you plan to travel over Thanksgiving and Christmas, expect to pay a premium. The Washington Post predicts the 2022 holiday season to have some of the highest prices for flights in the past five years. If you’re planning to travel, be ready to pay a pretty penny!
How Can I Save Money On Flights During the Holidays?
Planning as early as possible is the key to saving money on flights during the holidays. Booking your tickets early allows you to save money on your flights. Cash in airline rewards you’ve accumulated throughout the year to help lock in the cheapest rate.
However, the most important tip for saving money on holiday flights is to arrive early. You can save big bucks if you can fly several days ahead of a holiday compared to the days directly before it.
HOT TIP
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How Far in Advance Should I Book a Flight to Get the Best Price?
Typically, the more you can book a flight in advance, the better. However, travel experts state, “The general rule is that for domestic flights, travelers should start searching for flight tickets one to three months in advance.”
Booking your flights too far in advance can be risky, especially if the airline has a strict cancellation policy. You could run into issues with canceling or rescheduling your travels if your plans need to change.
Biggest Mistakes People Make When Booking Flights During the Holidays
There are a handful of mistakes that you want to avoid when booking flights during the holidays. Not only can they be frustrating, but they can also cost you money. So do yourself a favor and avoid making these mistakes while traveling during the holidays.
Waiting Until the Last Minute to Book
The holidays are the busiest travel time of the year, and flights often sell out. One significant mistake people make when booking their holiday travels is to wait until the last minute.
You’ll pay more and have fewer options. You may have to take a flight with a layover, which will only extend your travel time.
Entering the Wrong Airport
When booking your flights, you must ensure you book the most convenient airport. If you’re not careful, you could easily book a flight to an airport that isn’t nearby.
The last thing you want to do when you arrive at your destination is jumping into a car and driving several hours to your destination. It would be best if you always double-check to ensure you’re entering the correct airport.
Booking a Flight With More Than One Layover
Booking a flight with more than one layover may save you a few bucks, but it can increase the chances of a travel disaster. The more layovers you have, you’ll likely experience a delay.
Traveling through multiple cities could increase the chances of a weather-related delay, which could completely derail your travel plans. You may pay more for non-stop or fewer layovers, but at least you’ll arrive on time.
Ignoring Flight Change Emails
Your flight status can unexpectedly change, and the carrier will often reach out and let you know. Your flight could experience a minor or significant delay.
If you ignore the flight change emails the airline sends and show up at the original time, you could face a lengthy wait at the airport. You would likely be much more comfortable waiting at home than at the airport.
The best way to ensure you receive flight change notifications is to install the airline’s app on your phone and turn on notifications. You can also sign up to receive text message notifications for any changes to your flight. This can prevent you from missing critical updates to your flight.
Neglecting to Add Your Frequent Flier Mile Number
No matter how long or short of a flight you’re taking, you should add your frequent flier mile number to your reservation. This can help you accumulate miles, and you’ll eventually cash them in and get a discounted or free flight.
These miles can add up and may cover the cost of flights for your next vacation.
What Day Is Best to Book a Flight?
Airline carriers are constantly adjusting flight prices to make money on every seat. Skyscanner has studied various airline carriers and found that most airlines launch their specials on Monday nights.
If you log in on Tuesday morning, you’ll typically get the best deal for booking a flight. However, discounts and specials may be harder to come by during peak holiday travel times.
Is Flying During the Holidays Worth It?
The frustrations and the premium price tag of flying during the holidays are small prices to pay for spending time with friends and family. Some of the most special memories you’ll create will be during these times.
Nothing can replace being with your loved ones during the holiday season. We only have so many holiday seasons to spend together, so don’t let flying during the holidays stop you from enjoying every single one.
Do you have any holiday travel tips?
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