Holiday travel hustle is just around the corner, experts say to book your holiday travel after TSA reports another seasonal surge in airport screenings (nearly 3 million people on Sunday) We are sharing new insights and tips for you.
Clint Henderson, editor-in-chief of The Points Guy, offered some key findings from his team’s new vacation travel survey on Tuesday’s “Good Morning America,” highlighting flight discounts. Helped Americans who have booked appointments or are wondering about the best reservation window or what steps to take. Consider this for peak season.
Best time to book Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday travel
In this Dec. 22, 2021 file photo, a Delta Airlines jet departs from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta.
Elijah Nouberge/Reuters, File
Given that The Points Guy’s research shows that the majority of Americans plan to travel during the holidays, with more than half of those surveyed expected to fly, Henderson said that during the Goldilocks period, He said it will be extremely important to focus on finding flights to book during the flight.
“You want to book before prices go up, well in advance of your schedule and right before prices start to go up for the holiday season,” Henderson said. “Right now, prices are going to start going up soon. I want to book my Thanksgiving trip now. I want to book my Christmas trip by Halloween. I’m going to see prices go up every day after that. We’re in the Goldilocks era, it’s time to book. ”
Where to find discounts on flight tickets
While Henderson doesn’t recommend booking travel for someone else, she recommends purchasing discounted airline gift cards at major retailers.
“Places like Costco on Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines offer discounts. They often offer 10% off flights. It’s a great way to give the gift of travel.” he said, adding that it’s a method recipients can consider. destination.
Video: Experts see pre-holiday travel on the rise
ABCNews.com
Latest deals on vacation destinations
Some of the best deals that Henderson and his team of travel experts have seen so far are in Europe, where he says they “regularly go on sale for under $500.”
“I just saw a United flight last night (from Chicago) to Paris, France, for $511,” he said. “There’s a great sale going on right now.”
American Airlines currently offers fares from New York City and Miami to Madrid and Barcelona for as low as $364 each.
Experts bust myths about travel booking
“There’s a rumor that if you book on a Tuesday, if you wake up and book at midnight, it’s somehow cheaper,” Henderson began. “Absolutely not. It doesn’t matter when you book, but it does matter when you travel. You may get a better deal if you travel on a Tuesday or Saturday.”
Another myth that Henderson is happy to bust is using incognito mode to view flights.
“Airlines don’t track your search history on your computer, so it doesn’t matter when you book (even in incognito mode),” he said.
Finally, we explained that adjusting the price of your airfare after booking is now easier than ever.
“The great news is that airlines have been more generous with travel credits and refunds since the pandemic,” Henderson said. “If you notice the price has dropped, go back to the airline. They will either give you a travel credit or else cancel and rebook your ticket.”
