As fall approaches, travelers are gearing up for the holiday season, and it’s essential to plan ahead, according to Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy. He appeared on "Good Morning America" to share insights on airfare price trends and effective money-saving strategies.
Kelly highlighted that while airfare prices have dropped for fall travel, there’s a notable rise in prices for the holiday season, with domestic flights expected to average over $600, a 6% increase compared to last year. International flights are projected to hit around $1200.
He introduced the "Goldilocks" approach to booking holiday flights, advising travelers to book Thanksgiving tickets in the first week of October and Christmas flights by the first week of November. "Timing is everything when booking tickets," he asserted. Travelers should avoid the temptation to procrastinate, as prices typically rise as the holiday approaches.
To maximize savings, Kelly recommended traveling on less popular days, such as early morning flights on Thanksgiving and returning later after the holiday rush. He also emphasized the importance of utilizing technology to track flight prices. Tools like Google Flights can help set alerts for price drops, allowing travelers to stay informed ahead of their holiday travel plans.
In summary, early planning and strategic booking can significantly reduce travel costs during the busy holiday season.