Anyone just beginning to look for a holiday fare this late in the season probably doesn’t need a finger-wagging reminder that they should have started searching weeks, even months ago. Yes, Christmas is only a week away and fares are sky high, as they are every year at this time. But! That doesn’t necessarily mean that all hope is lost.
Experiment with your search by plugging in different travel dates, less than ideal flight times, maybe even alternative airports, and you may just discover a reasonable fare.
The point is, you’ll have to get creative with your search parameters, and, yes, that does mean being open to the idea of traveling on a basic economy ticket.
Often, the difference in price is so minimal that most travelers opt for regular economy. But during the holidays, basic economy can be several hundred dollars cheaper than economy, suddenly putting that Christmas flight home within reach. And really, you’re not missing out on much in terms of frills. Both Delta and American now include carry on bags and personal items. United has yet to catch up. You won't get to choose a seat, and you'll be among the last to board, but in the end you still arrive and on the same flight as everyone who paid a little more than you.
Those looking to skip a visit with the family and instead spend the holiday abroad may find international fares to be a little too high for anything so last minute. At this point, your best bet for booking a deal is to look at destinations that fall somewhere in the Goldilocks range of being just a tad too far to drive but close enough for a short (and hopefully cheap) hop by plane.
As proof that it's never too late, here are a few fares we've recently spotted for travel over the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s holidays. You’ll notice that many of these are for peak travel, departing December 23 and 24
New York to Portland, ME $217 Roundtrip, Nonstop, on JetBlue
Depart JFK on Monday, December 24, return from PWM on Saturday, December 29.
New York to Montreal $340 Roundtrip, Nonstop, on Air Canada
Depart LGA on Sunday, December 23, return from YUL on Monday, December 31.
Atlanta to Chicago $223 Roundtrip, Nonstop, on American
Depart ATL on Sunday, December 23, return from ORD on Tuesday, January 1.
Atlanta to New Orleans $235 Roundtrip, Nonstop, on Delta
Depart ATL on Sunday, December 23, return from MSY on Saturday, December 29.
Los Angeles to Tucson $184 Roundtrip, Nonstop, on American
Depart LAX on Sunday, December 23, return from TUS on Monday, December 31.
Miami to Bridgetown, Barbados $341 Roundtrip, Nonstop, on American
Depart MIA on Sunday, December 23, return from BGI on Tuesday, January 1.
Baltimore to Boston $186 Roundtrip, Nonstop, on JetBlue
Depart BWI on Sunday, December 23, return from BOS on Tuesday, January 1.
Seattle to Salt Lake City $251 Roundtrip, Nonstop, on Delta
Depart SEA on Monday, December 24, return from SLC on Sunday, December 30.
San Francisco to Las Vegas $264 Roundtrip, Nonstop, on Alaska
Depart SFO on Monday, December 24, return from LAS on Saturday, December 29.
San Francisco to Salt Lake City $291 Roundtrip, Nonstop, on Delta
Depart SFO on Monday, December 24, return from LAS on Saturday, December 29.
Intro image by LazyLlama via Shutterstock
