Opinions differ as to the severity of the fare increases. Genevieve Shaw Brown, senior editor for Travelocity, said that domestic air fares are higher by 5% for the December-January season, averaging $421 round trip. She said that international flights are up by 11%, for a round-trip average of $894.
Seaney's estimate is much higher. He said that fares are up by 17% for the December-January holiday season compared to last year. He based that calculation on 1,200 routes through the 50 busiest airports in the U.S.
Holiday travel tips - CNNSeaney said the increase is so dramatic because air fares are recovering from a 2009 bottom caused by slumping demand from the ongoing recession.
Air fares and travel volume are also higher for the Thanksgiving holiday, according to forecasts. The Air Transport Association forecasts an increase of 3.5% in travel volume for the Thanksgiving period, compared to last year. AAA said that Thanksgiving air fares are up 4% from 2009.
0:00/3:29Holiday travel just got pricierAs a result of the lower capacity and packed flights, Brown of Travelocity said that the old trick of holding out for last-minute deals no longer applies. Airlines are unlikely to have empty seats in need of filling, she said.
"Over peak holiday travel, it doesn't make much sense to roll the dice and wait to book your tickets," she said. "It's just very unlikely that prices will drop over a high demand period.It's really just in your best interest to book as far ahead as possible for the holidays."
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