The article provides guidance from AAA on how to prepare for holiday travel during Thanksgiving and the December holiday season. Here are the key points summarized:
Booking Timeline
- Thanksgiving (Nov. 26): Book flights by early to mid-October, and secure hotels and rental cars as soon as plans are confirmed.
- Christmas (Dec. 25) & New Year’s (Jan. 1): Book flights by the end of October, as both holidays fall on Fridays this year.
Pricing Advice
- Don’t just look for the cheapest airfare. Cheaper tickets may come with drawbacks like no nonstop flights or additional fees for baggage and seat selections.
- Being flexible with dates, times, and airports can unveil better deals and help avoid crowds.
Flight Buying Strategy
- Forget the notion that Tuesday is the best day to purchase airfare. Airlines use dynamic pricing that can change throughout the day based on various factors.
Steps for Travelers
- Book Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year’s flights as early as possible.
- Reserve accommodations (hotels and rental cars) once your travel dates are confirmed.
- Compare fares across various platforms and consider flexible options.
- Review cancellation and change policies before making a reservation.
- Monitor prices post-booking if your reservation allows changes without extra fees.
Conclusion
AAA emphasizes starting to plan holiday travel now rather than waiting for last-minute deals, as demand can significantly reduce available options soon.
