So much about travel in 2020 has been a challenge. It’s about time we brought consumers some good news, don’t you think? Qtrip is thrilled to be able to share some good air travel news for a change.
We recently published our Holiday Flights page and did a deep dive into what flight cost looks like compared to 2019.
Perhaps it’s not a huge surprise, but air travel is almost 25% less expensive, on average, over Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years last year. And if you can get a little creative with your travel dates, even deeper discounts are sometimes on the menu.
Thanksgiving
Take Thanksgiving. During this historically expensive and busy week, you can save nearly 33% this year, dispensing on your dates of travel. Monday, November 23rd is almost 30% less expensive than last year. Tuesday, November 24th is also a great value, with airfares hovering right around 25% lower than 2019. If you can travel on Thanksgiving day, you can save 30% as well. Almost the whole week offers great deals, depending on where you’re flying. Here are a few of the best fares you can book right now*:
Nonstop Airfares
11/23 departure 11/28 return
Los Angeles (LAX) to New York (EWR)
United $307
11/25 departure 11/30 return
Los Angeles (LAX) to Chicago (ORD)
United $155
11/23 departure 11/27 return
New York (EWR) to Las Vegas (LAS)
United $97
11/24 departure 11/28 return
Chicago (ORD) to Dallas (DFW)
United $136
11/24 departure 11/28 return
Seattle (SEA) to San Francisco (SFO)
Alaska $117
Christmas
The airfare story that started for Thanksgiving dates carries through for Christmas and New Years. In some cases, the savings are even more stark – up to 50% less than airfares from 2020. The best value travel day overall for Christmas week is Monday, December 21. On this day you can expect to pay almost 53% less than you paid in 2019. And if you can look at a return flight on Tuesday, December 29th? You might just save another 45%.
With Christmas falling on a Friday, you can also do a quick trip, and save your PTO. Fly out on Christmas Eve and shave off a respectable 10% on average for your flight cost. But your return on Monday, the 28th? You can save up to 40% off 2019’s prices. Now we’re talking.
Here are a few of the deals you can find right now on CheapAir.com:
Nonstop Airfares
12/21 departure 12/29 return
New York (EWR) to Los Angeles (LAX)
United $247
12/21 departure 12/29 return
Philadelphia (PHL) to Denver (DEN)
American $204
12/24 departure 12/28 return
San Diego (SAN) to Seattle (SEA)
Alaska $229
12/24 departure 12/28 return
Detroit (DTW) to Phoenix (PHX)
United $292
New Years
New Years is a great value, especially if you’re planning a quick getaway. If you depart on Wednesday the 30th (savings around 20%) or Thursday the 31st (savings around 15%) and return on New Year’s Day (more than 25% savings), you’ll be able to funnel all that extra cash into a hotel upgrade. At least that’s what we’re planning. Here are a few good deals you can capitalize on right now:
Nonstop Airfares
12/30 departure 1/1 return
Portland (PDX) to Las Vegas (LAS)
United $186
12/30 departure 1/1 return
Atlanta (ATL) to New York (LGA)
American $115
12/30 departure 1/1 return
New Jersey (EWR) to New Orleans (MSY)
United $177
Flight Availability
One other factor that might be good to watch closely – especially if you’re one of the travelers who told us they’re still on the fence about holiday travel this year – is that there are less flights to choose from. Right now, prices are low, but as we get closer to your potential travel dates when people start to scoop up these low-priced fares you might find yourself paying a premium. If you’re still debating (or if you generally like to wait until this last minute), it could wind up being a pricey risk to take in 2020. Plan well and happy early holiday shopping!
*All airfares for round trip flights on select dates in November and December2020, are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.
The post Are Holiday Flights Cheaper This Year? appeared first on CheapAir.
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