Holding off on buying airline tickets could cost you

By Associated Press

Posted: Nov 7, 2009 3:57 PM
Updated: Nov 7, 2009 3:58 PM

People who waited to book holiday air fares last year saved money.

This year, holding off could cost you.

Christmas fares are now running 4 percent below a year ago -- and the gap is likely to disappear soon.

Most carriers pushed through a $10 fare increase at the end of October.

For the holidays, the big airlines added a $20 surcharge each way on popular travel days closest to Christmas and New Year's.

Tom Parsons of BestFares.com compared holiday fares purchased on July 1 with the same itinerary booked on Nov 2. Several had risen 50 percent or more.

Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., had more than doubled to $528.

Airlines have been shrinking to match a decrease in travel.

With the supply of seats more in line with demand, carriers have been able to raise fares close to where they were last holiday season.

 

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