3 On Your Side: Thanksgiving Air Travel Advice
By Jim Donovan
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Before you know it, Thanksgiving will be just around the corner. For many, that means traveling to visit family and friends. If that includes booking a plane reservation, 3 On Your Side Consumer Reporter Jim Donovan has advice to get the most bang for your buck.
When it comes to booking Thanksgiving airfares, travelers don't get too much flexibility around the Thursday holiday. The days with the highest fares are the days the most people want to travel - the Wednesday before, and the Sunday after.
If plans allow it, travelers will find the best fares on Thanksgiving Day, maybe a morning flight can get you on the ground in time for a turkey dinner.
Finding the best fare often means searching the most options. Consumer Reports recommends making that search easier by using a website that pulls airfares from multiple sources, like Kayak, Expedia, and Travelocity.
A connecting flight may save you some money, but some travel experts prefer non-stops in colder weather when cancellations may throw off a flight plan.
Also, don't forget to factor in baggage fees. They vary by airline, and can make a big difference in the overall cost of a trip.
By the way, if it's a toss-up between flying and driving, getting behind the wheel gives you more flexibility for departure and arrival. Plus, gas prices have been on the way down, and they could sink even lower.
