Holiday Airfares Expected to Hit Decade High

U.S. domestic round-trip airfares are averaging $402 for Thanksgiving, up 31% from last year, and $452 for Christmas, up 23%, putting both holidays on track to be the most expensive in a decade. Higher jet-fuel costs, strong demand and airlines trimming some flights are contributing to the increases, while prices vary by route and date. Travelers may save by avoiding peak travel days: Hopper says returning Sunday, Nov. 29, could cost about $250 more than returning Monday or Tuesday, and Christmas fares are also higher on peak departure and return dates. Travelers interviewed by WMBF said they are booking early, comparing prices and adjusting budgets, while hotel costs are relatively steady for Thanksgiving but up for Christmas. Seasonal airfares have also risen sharply in India, where some domestic routes are up as much as 68% year over year amid higher fuel costs and fewer flights on certain routes.