The recession and stock market crash may have put a crimp in many travelers’ plans to head home for the holidays, especially with high fares and fuel surcharges. But now, while the economy is still in the dumps, the airlines are offering a short-term fare sale that might make those impossible trips possible again.
The sale prices, now being offered by most airlines, have no advance purchase requirement, as long as the tickets are issued by November 26. They are valid between November 20 and January 5. And they represent significant savings over the regular super saver fares, especially in the higher priced markets. For example, the lowest San Francisco – Cincinnati roundtrip, normally $649 plus tax, is $398 plus tax.
Of course, these fares are limited. And for those with delusions of flying the Wednesday before Thanksgiving or the Sunday afterwards, the economy is not so bad that those dates are open. Ditto the weekends before or after Christmas. Plus, the very least expensive fares are offered on off-peak dates – for example Thanksgiving from November 20-25, and again Nov 27-28 and December 3.
A good travel agent can help steer through the maze here, which could be well worth the service fee. (Not to mention, having someone to call if a winter storm delays or cancels one of these cheap flights.)
And of course, there are no guarantees even with a systemwide sale, that a discount fare is available for any particular schedule. Or that the fare will come in under a set budget. But for those who have given up on getting home for the holidays, it might be time to give it one more shot.
Unless telling relatives, “Sorry, I just can’t make it this year,” is an excuse you’ve been wishing to make for years, consider it a potential holiday present to yourself.
Janice Hough is a California-based travel agent a travel blogger and a part-time comedy writer. A frequent flier herself, she’s been doing battle with airlines, hotels, and other travel companies for over three decades. Besides writing for Travelers United, Janice has a humor blog at Leftcoastsportsbabe.com (Warning, the political and sports humor therein does not represent the views of anyone but herself.)
