Book a Thanksgiving Bargain Now
It's not too late to snag a low-cost flight or hotel deal for the holiday.
Nov. 17, 2008 — -- Facing a recession, millions of Americans are choosing not to travel for Thanksgiving this year. Now, with less than two weeks left before the holiday, it may be cheaper than ever to book.
On average domestic airfares are 9 percent higher compared to 2007, and 10 percent fewer passengers are expected to fly over the 12-day period from November 21 through December 2, according to the ATA.
The drop in demand, combined with falling oil prices, has had airlines and hotels slashing rates in recent weeks as they scramble to fill seats and rooms. Travelers will now pay $393 on average for a domestic airfare ticket this Thanksgiving, down from $404 just three weeks ago, according to a recent poll from Travelocity.
"There are still affordable prices," said Kristen Celko, vice president of marketing and e-commerce for STA Travel.
"In the past few weeks there has been a reduction in domestic fuel surcharges on select routes that can decrease the total cost of a ticket by $160."
Whether you still need to book your trip home or have a last-minute getaway in mind, it's not too late find a good deal.
Book Off-Peak
Despite the decrease in air traffic this year, Thanksgiving will remain the busiest travel season of the year. The best way to find a lower fare, and avoid the crowds, is by choosing off-peak days.
"Because Thanksgiving is such a compact holiday, the vast majority of travelers hit the roads at the same time . . . If you can, avoid traveling on Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday," said Pauline Frommer , author of the Pauline Frommer's Travel Guides.
According to Wendy Perrin, consumer news editor of Conde Nast Traveler, "the best times to fly for Thanksgiving will be midday on the Monday before the holiday, Thanksgiving Day itself, and the Friday after."
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