Score a Thanksgiving travel deal, still

Thanksgiving is coming and airfares are on their way up! The good news is that fares are still cheaper than last year. Here are some tips to help you save on this years last minute travel for Thanksgiving.

• Think turkey instead of tinsel. According to Priceline.com, the average Thanksgiving airfare booked this year from July 1 to Oct. 1 is $361, almost $80 less than the average December holidays airfare of $440.
• Be flexible on dates and airports. Though flying on popular days surrounding a holiday has always cost more, several major airlines have imposed new surcharges of $10 each way for travel Nov. 29-30, Dec. 19, Dec. 26-27 and Jan. 2-3. “If you can move your trip a day or two in either direction, you can save 20% or more,” Grus says.

Broaden your fare search to nearby airports that might save you enough to compensate for the increased travel time. Case in point: Milwaukee, where holiday fares are down by more than 30% this year, thanks to new competition from AirTran and Southwest, instead of Chicago’s O’Hare, about an hour’s drive south.

• Beware of bag fees. Unless you’re prepared to mail gifts ahead and go the carry-on route, you’ll probably be dinged an extra $15-$25 for checking luggage. You may save time and money ($5-$6 a bag) by checking in from home via the airline’s website instead of at the airport.
• Don’t be greedy. If a fare seems reasonable (check historical averages via such sites as FareCompare.com and Kayak.com), go for it. Though airlines may still add additional cheap-seat holiday inventory, you risk not being able to land seats with traveling companions — or paying more than you had bargained for, says George Hobica of Airfarewatchdog.com.

SOURCE: USA TODAY