Beating high travel prices during the holiday season, inflation

Beating high travel prices during the holiday season

Be ready if you want to travel this holiday season. FOX 26’s Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan has some Smart Sense on how to beat the high prices.

HOUSTON - This holiday season, airfares are expected to soar to their highest levels in five years.

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Experts say pent-up desire to travel and see loved ones, and airline pilot and staff shortages mean more demand, fewer flights, and sky-high ticket prices.

"Airlines have had to cut back flights, destinations, seats they’re selling," explained Clint Henderson, Managing Editor for The Points Guy.

Airfare tracker Hopper says Thanksgiving fares are up 22% over 2019, with domestic round trips averaging $350, and international averaging $795. Christmastime flights are up nearly 30%, averaging $263 roundtrip domestic, $1300 international.

Don't be surprised to see upticks for hotels and rental cars, too. Although rental cars are more available than they were during the pandemic.

Rental car prices up over 50%

One company says rental car prices have gone up over 50%. FOX 26 Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan has some smart sense on ways you can save a little money for that rental vehicle you may need this summer.

To keep costs down, experts say be flexible on the dates you fly, such as traveling on Mondays before and after Thanksgiving and Christmas. It could save you up to $270, and utilize Google Flights.

"You can put in the dates and the destination you want to travel to, and you can set alerts. Google will send you an email if the price drops or jumps drastically," said Henderson.

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Expedia and Capital One Travel offer similar price alerts, and for a fee, will guarantee the lowest prices. Other sites, such as The Points Guy and Scott's Cheap Flights, will notify you of airfare deals, which can help you save if you're flexible on your destination.

"But if you see a deal, jump on it because these days deals go fast," said Henderson.

Your best bet is to book soon, before mid-October.

"October 10th, it’s the middle of October. Typically, after this date, we’re only going to see prices increase. It will be really hard to get great low prices for holiday travel," said Hayley Berg, Lead Economist for Hopper.