Find Cheap Flights Fast at Farecompare
  • MY FARECOMPARE
  • SIGN IN
  • New to FareCompare?
  • or
    Farecompare credentials
    Forgot password?
    Do not check if on a shared computer
    SIGN IN
    Close
    • My Trips
    • My Alerts
    • My Profile
    • My Subscriptions
    • My Searches
    • Sign out
  • Flights
  • Hotels
  • Deals
  • News
  • Ask Rick
  • Travel Advice
News
  • Airport Security
  • Fees
  • Video
  • Podcasts
  • News Team
RSS
Find a Flight
  1. Click to reset this suggestion
    Click to reset this suggestion
    Click to view the calendar
    Click to view the calendar
  2. Compare sites:(Opens in new windows)

    0 sites selected
    Choose 3 sites more...
    Hint:Pick3
    Please select at least 3 sites above to compare

    If you search more sites, you might find better deals

    Ok, I will pick moreNo thanks

    10 Things to Know for a Pleasant (and Cheaper) Flight this Thanksgiving Holiday

    Anne McDermott•October 10, 2012
    Thanksgiving290x200

    Signup for Airfare Alerts

    If you haven’t flown in a while but expect to travel over Thanksgiving, you may not be aware of how much airline ticket prices rise during the holidays or maybe you haven’t kept up with the latest fees. Even frequent flyers may need a quick refresher, so everyone is invited to check out the following tips to save money, time and aggravation.

    Listen as travel expert Rick Seaney makes Turkey Day so simple:

    Unexpected Travel Problems and How to Fix Them

    10 Things to Know: Thanksgiving Travel

    • Before You Buy Tickets

    1. Know the cheapest days to fly: The Monday before Thanksgiving (Nov. 19), Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 22), the Tuesday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 27).

    2. Know the more expensive days to avoid: The Wednesday before Thanksgiving (Nov. 21), the Sunday/Monday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 25, 26).

    If you cannot fly the very cheapest days, know that Friday and Saturday after the holiday (Nov. 23, 24) fall in the mid-range category, price-wise.

    Baggage Fees for Airlines Worldwide

    3. Know baggage fees: If you don’t fly much, you may not realize that almost every airline now charges a fee per each checked-bag, with the exception of JetBlue and Southwest. Two airlines also charge fees for carry-on bags: Allegiant and Spirit. Bag fees vary but generally cost $50 round-trip. Tip: Know your airline’s bag fees before packing.

    4. Watch baggage weight: Overweight bag charges can be steep ($200 one-way on American and Delta for bags over 70 pounds). Weigh your bag before you head to the airport and keep it under 50 pounds. Tip: Consolidate bags to avoid multiple fees, but watch the weight.

    5. Try some fees during the holidays: Lines will be long during the holidays and this may be a good time to try fees, especially the cut in line fees (names vary by airline). Thanks to high holiday prices, the low fee-to-airfare ratio you pay may make it worth it, especially if traveling with family. Tip: Southwest’s EarlyBird boarding is a bargain at $10 per person.

    6. Purchase airfare as soon as possible: Add an extra $3 per day (approximately) to the total cost of your airfare starting about Oct. 15 for every day you put off your purchase.

    9 Ways Security has Changed in Past Decade

    • At the Airport

    7. Security lines will be slow: Not only will planes be packed, but airports will too and security lines will be further slowed by novice travelers who don’t know the TSA rules. Review the ban on liquids over 3.4 ounces and have toiletries packed in a single zip bag to help keep lines moving. Tip: Leave for the airport at least 30 minutes earlier than usual.

    8. Know the rules on holiday gifts: Presents must be unwrapped or security will do it for you. Home-made jars of jams and special sauces will be treated as liquids and cannot exceed the 3.4 ounce limitation.

    Airline Food – Better but Harder to Find

    • On the Plane

    9. No free meals: Only Hawaiian Airlines offers complimentary meals in coach on U.S. flights (and only between the mainland and the islands), so be prepared to pay for food or bring your own.

    10. In-flight purchases will require a credit card: Need a blanket and pillow or a special snack box? The airlines have abandoned cash so have a credit card handy. Better yet, dress in layers and pack your own snacks.

    Share|
    Posted In: Airfare Analysis, Airport Security, Holiday/Seasonal, Podcasts
    Previous Post Alaska, Horizon Act Quickly to Waive Change Fees After Outage Disrupts FlightsAlaska_plane_cu290x193 Next Post United Airlines’ Airfare Hike Attempt Successfully Revived by SouthwestUnited_Sign290x200
    • About FareCompare
    • Customer Service
    • Contact Us
    • Flight Deals
    • Media Room
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Sitemap

    © Copyright 2006-2013 FareCompare.com. All rights reserved.

    updated: 2012-10-10T08:21:00+00:00