4 Tips for Finding Cheap Thanksgiving Flights

Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away. If you haven't already booked your flight to visit relatives or enjoy a weekend getaway, now's the time to start seriously thinking about booking. Thanksgiving is the biggest travel time of the year, and the longer you wait, the more expensive the fares will be.

According to CheapAir.com – which tracks 11,000 airfares for flights during the holiday season to determine the average fare for the most popular markets – the average fare on Wednesday, Nov. 4 was $483, up from $456 last month. The upside is fuel costs are down this year, but as planes start to fill up, prices will increase. With that said, it's crunch time. Consider these five tips for finding a cheap Thanksgiving flight from our long term Oakland Airport parking service.

Be Flexible

Unless you're flexible with your dates, you won’t be able to get a cheap flight. Most people want to leave on Wednesday, Nov. 25 and come back on Sunday. Because these days are in high demand, airlines aren't going to offer deals on those days. Depending on the destination, your best bet is to leave on Friday, Nov. 20 or Saturday, Nov. 21 and return on Monday, Nov. 30 at the earliest.

Be Wary of Low-cost Carriers

Though low-cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier seem to offer cheaper fares, the flights can end up costing way more than you've anticipated. This is because low-cost carriers offer cheaper rates up front but then tack on extra fees for things like assigned seats, carry-on luggage and checked baggage. Make sure you read the fine print and take all of the costs into account before picking a flight, whether it's with a low-cost or mainstream airline.

Choose an Alternate Airport

Along with being flexible on your dates of travel, you also want to be flexible with the airport. Some airports offer better rates than others. For instance, the San Francisco International Airport tends to have higher rates than the Oakland International Airport, which is located just 31 miles away. So, when searching for fares, compare the prices of all the nearby airports.

Split Up Your Party

As planes begin to fill up, it becomes harder to find cheap flights for a family of four. Splitting up into groups of two will make it easier to find a flight and snag a better deal.

By following these tips, you'll be able to find the best deals on Thanksgiving flights. Along with flights, consider the airport parking service. If you're traveling out of the Oakland Airport, Expresso Airport Parking offers the most affordable parking rates and the most convenient services. Visit us online today to view our Oakland Airport long term parking rates and book your guaranteed reservation.