NEW YORK (WABC) — Travelers planning holiday trips may face some of the highest airfares seen in a decade, according to travel experts, prompting many to search for savings by adjusting travel dates, choosing alternate airports and considering layovers.
Round-trip domestic airfare prices are significantly higher than they were a year ago.
Hayley Berg of Hopper said, “For Thanksgiving, that looks like prices up 39% compared to where they were this time last year. And for Christmas, prices are up 22%.”
Experts say rising fuel costs are contributing to the higher fares, but travelers can still find ways to save.
One option is to be flexible with travel plans, including departure dates and airports. On Long Island, MacArthur Airport in Islip has become an increasingly popular alternative, drawing travelers from beyond the local area.
Angie Carpenter, Islip town supervisor, said, “It’s easier to get on the train at Penn Station, and go to our airport and have a five minute cab ride, than it is deal with the train to the plane and transfer onto the shuttle.”
Some destinations, including West Palm Beach, may offer lower fares out of MacArthur Airport. Travelers willing to add a brief layover may also find more competitive prices.
Rob Schneider, aviation commissioner for the airport, said, “Baltimore is the largest connection point for this airport.” When asked whether travelers might need to connect through Baltimore to reach destinations farther west, he responded, “Pacific Northwest, California, the Midwest, even to the Caribbean.”
Even before the peak holiday travel season begins, some travelers say the cost of airfare is already difficult to manage.
Jennifer Martinbianco, a JetBlue traveler, said, “For the three of us, it was just about $1,900, which is ridiculous to go to Orlando.”
Travelers may find additional savings beyond airfare. Parking at MacArthur Airport costs about $20 per day, compared with about $80 per day at JFK Airport. Smaller airports can also offer shorter lines and fewer hassles.
JetBlue passenger Nicol Nitowitz said, “I would rather pay a little bit extra for the convenience.”
MacArthur Airport was recently rated the best small airport in the country by USA Today.
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Source: abc7ny.com
