Good time to book your holiday flight - WALB.com, South Georgia News, Weather, Sports

Good time to book your holiday flight

By Cade Fowler - bio | email

October 29, 2008

ALBANY, GA (WALB) - As we near the busiest travel time of the year it's clear tough economic times have taken a toll on the airline industry.

Yvette Aehle, director of Southwest Georgia Regional Airport says, "Because of fuel prices and the economy with a severe downturn, the airlines are severely limiting capacity which of course pushes prices up." 

And up they will likely remain. It's because airlines will offer less than 3000 fewer non-stop domestic flights a day during the Thanksgiving travel season. That's an 11% drop from last year.

"We've got an average of between $50 to $100 more than what we saw last year. So yes, it's going to be full on those airplanes and it's going to cost your more to get there," says Aehle.

But waiting for a deal to come around could leave you stranded on the ground. With fewer seats and fewer flights, holiday airfare specials won't be easy to find. Booking early will not only guarantee your seat, but could actually save you money in the long run.

"The longer you wait, the more expensive it's going to get. And you might not be able to find the seats you want. So obviously planning ahead is critical this year," says Aehle.

Aehle says Albany's flight schedule will remain the same through the holidays and that booking flights to Atlanta shouldn't be a problem. She warns though that connector flights out of Atlanta could be harder to book if travelers wait until the last minute to do so.  

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