AAA report urges travelers to book early for the holidays

ATLANTA — You might want to book your holiday travel plans early to get good deals.

A report form the American Automobile Association urges travelers to book early for the best combination of price and availability.

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AAA did a survey this summer and 24% of Georgia travelers had plans to take a trip during the holidays. A little over half said they would book earlier than they did in the past due to higher travel prices.

“Travelers expecting to fly this Thanksgiving should start locking in those plans now,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group.

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Haas said due to airline staff shortages, there are fewer flights and higher prices.

As holiday time gets closer, airfare prices are likely to change. So Haas suggests booking early.

“As we get closer to the holidays, airfares are likely to get even more expensive as flights fill up. Our best advice is simple. Book early. This will increase the odds of finding the flight you want at a competitive price,” said Haas.

According to the survey, the 62% of Thanksgiving travelers will finalize plans by the end of the September. Meanwhile, those finalizing Christmas plans are evenly spread out between now and the end of November.

AAA broke down the percentages of when Thanksgiving and Christmas travel plans would be finalized.

Thanksgiving travel plans would be finalized:

• 24% before September
• 38% September
• 33% October
• 5% November
• 0% unsure

Christmas travel plans would be finalized:

• 9% before September
• 27% September
• 25% October
• 25% November
• 11% December
• 3% unsure

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