Travel Season 2023: Save On Your Christmas Airfares
With the arrival of the holidays, one of the most exciting and busy times of the year is also approaching: the travel season. However, planning Christmas travel can be a challenge as fares and demand increase significantly. The good news is that this year you can save on your Christmas airfares.
According to data from the travel app Hooper, airfares for Christmas travel have an average of $400 compared to last year. This represents a 12% decrease or $52 per ticket. However, fares are still 29% higher compared to the 2019 holiday season.
On the other hand, car rental prices remain stable compared to the previous year (average of $53 per day). Travelers planning to travel during Christmas are looking for a 5-day rental, possibly because the holiday dates fall on a long weekend. These factors can influence travelers’ planning and budget during the holiday season.
When can you fly?
You can save by traveling on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve, according to Hooper’s data. On domestic routes in the United States, travelers can save 26% on prices, around $114 per ticket. Meanwhile, the most expensive days are Friday, December 22nd, and Tuesday, December 26th, with a 7% increase. Prices also increase just before New Year’s Eve.
International travelers can also enjoy discounts on Christmas Day (17% or $224). It is ideal to plan the return for December 28th or 29th to save, but if you extend your vacation until New Year’s, it’s best to wait until midweek in the first week of January.
Tips for saving money during the Christmas travel season
Book in advance
Planning and booking your flights, accommodation and transportation in advance will allow you to take advantage of cheaper fares. Fares tend to increase as the season approaches, so make sure to secure your reservations as early as possible.
Be flexible with dates and destinations
If you have flexibility in your travel dates, consider flying on less popular days or during non-peak hours. Additionally, exploring alternative destinations can open up the possibility of finding more affordable options.
Use price comparison tools
Utilize websites and price comparison apps to find the best deals on flights, hotels and car rentals. Compare different options and take advantage of available promotions and discounts.
Consider alternative accommodations
Explore more affordable accommodation options such as vacation rentals, hostels or guesthouses. These alternatives are often more budget-friendly than conventional hotels and give you an opportunity to save money.
Travel light
Avoid the additional cost of baggage fees by reviewing the airline’s baggage policies in advance and traveling with only the essentials. Pack smartly and utilize minimalism techniques to avoid unnecessary charges.
Take advantage of offers and discounts
Stay alert for special offers and discounts that are offered during the holiday season. Subscribe to travel newsletters, follow airlines and hotels on social media, and search for promotional codes that can help you obtain additional discounts.
Popular price comparison apps to find flight and hotel deals
Skyscanner: A reliable app that compares prices for flights, hotels and car rentals. It allows you to search for flexible options, receive price alerts and explore destinations based on your preferences.
Kayak: A comprehensive platform that searches hundreds of travel websites to find the best deals on flights, hotels, car rentals and vacation packages. It also offers tools like price tracker and fare alerts.
Google Flights: A powerful tool for searching flights. It shows you a price calendar to help you find the cheapest dates, in addition to showing flexible flight options and destination suggestions based on your interests.
Hopper: An app that uses historical data and algorithms to predict the best time to book flights and get the lowest prices. It sends you notifications when prices drop and provides recommendations on whether to book now or wait.
Trivago: A leading platform to search and compare hotel prices on different websites. You can filter the results by price, location, hotel category and more to find the option that best suits your needs and budget.
The bottom line: you can save on your Christmas airfares
During this time, millions of people around the world are preparing to embark on trips to domestic or international destinations, with the aim of reuniting with loved ones, enjoying well-deserved vacations or exploring new places full of holiday charm. Remember that planning and flexibility are key to saving money. Research, compare prices and look for discount opportunities to make the most of your travel budget—you can save on your Christmas airfares and in many other things.
