As if flying across the country to have your life choices berated by obscure relatives at dinner wasn’t painful enough, we can now throw financial woes into the potluck.
With inflation still on the rise, travelers are already changing their minds. Some are choosing alternate travel plans, while others are scrapping their trips altogether and working out a time to head home outside of the holiday period.
Thanksgiving and Christmas travel costs are set to be the highest in five years and among the most expensive on record, prompting industry-wide advice to book as soon as possible to avoid further increases. According to travel company Hopper, average Thanksgiving flight prices are up 25% on last year, while Christmas rates have soared 55% – although only 19% higher than in 2019. Flights outside of the holiday period also up by about 42%.
The current climate has created the perfect storm for prices to soar. Thousands of flights have been cut across the world, reducing supply, while post-covid revenge travel is still driving demand. Toss in a global energy crisis, and your Christmas holiday just doubled in price. Looks like it’s gonna be a big year for socks.
by travelers, for travelers.