In a USA Today article due to the rising cost of fuel, financially strapped airlines and steady consumer demand translates to higher airfares this holiday season. For those who procrastinate or look for the last minute bargain flights may be on the outside looking in.

The trend for leisure fares has been upward all summer (averaging 16% more than a year ago), and it’s continuing through the fall,” says Bob Harrell of New York-based Harrell Associates, which tracks airline pricing.

Since both Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on a weekend this year, travel will probably be compressed over a shorter time frame, making deals less likely. And while airlines typically trumpet deep discounts for travel on Thanksgiving or Christmas day, availability is highly restricted, notes Harrell.

Those in the industry state that popular destinations like Hawaii, Florida and the Caribbean could be paying double of what the fares cost today.

Vacationers with more time — and with a hankering for such popular holiday destinations as Hawaii, Florida and the Caribbean — “are probably going to be paying double or triple the lowest sale fare,” says Tom Parsons of Bestfares.com.

Get a benchmark air fares through such sources as
FareReport.com
Cheapflights.com
Expedia.com’s Fare Compare
Travelocity.com
CheapSeats.com
Don’t forget to contact low-cost carriers like Southwest

For the full story and tips for scoring the best holiday airfare