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High passenger volumes and the possibility of bad weather are always part of holiday travel. Travelers on U.S. airlines during the days surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas usually find that ticket prices are higher and seats are harder to find. With reduced capacity (fewer seats available) across the industry and increased demand by travelers, booking early is highly recommended, according to Dean Headley, co-author of the national Airline Quality Rating at 麻豆传媒.
While industry airline performance quality has generally improved each year since 2007, Headley says the travel experience has become more stressful and uncertain, especially around the end-of-the-year holidays.
Headley: 鈥淭he holiday season in 2013 should be just as busy if not more busy than what we鈥檝e seen in the past. It will probably be stressful again. Fewer seats are available. Close holiday time this year 鈥� Thanksgiving is very close to Christmas this year.鈥�
Considering how many people want to travel during the holidays, Headley says it鈥檚 not too surprising that the airlines face some challenges.
Headley: 鈥淲hen you look at the performance of airlines over the years, the November/December timeframe is always busy, busy. There鈥檚 no question about it. It is a high stress time and the airlines just do not perform well during those periods -- partly their deal, partly weather.鈥�
Following the supply and demand principle, it鈥檚 easy to see why prices usually are higher for holiday travelers, according to Headley.
Headley: 鈥淭he total industry system is constricting. There鈥檚 fewer seats available than there were a year ago. That鈥檚 partly due to consolidation, partly due to choice. Fewer seats, more demand, they can charge higher prices. The consumer is not being thought of first in this process. It鈥檚 more about the money.
鈥淲hen you look at the demand for this, the lower number of seats that are being offered in the marketplace gives the opportunity for the airlines to charge a higher price for the seats that are well demanded. Planes are full. There鈥檚 no question about that. The more full they are; that makes the price go up.鈥�
When it comes to air travel during the holidays, Headley offers this advice: Let the flyer beware.
Headley: 鈥淎s a flyer, you need to be smart and look out for yourself. Check in early. Leave plenty of time between connecting flights. Don鈥檛 rely on the airlines necessarily to take good care of you. Be ready to take care of yourself.鈥�
Headley offers another bit of advice if you want your luggage or presents to arrive at your destination on time.
Headley: 鈥淢ake life as simple as you can. Pack light. If you can, ship your bags -- certainly your presents -- ahead of time. It鈥檚 entirely probable that FedEx or UPS will get them there with not much additional cost, if any, and probably more on time.鈥�
According to Headley, airline fees are still a reality, so consumers need to be aware and plan for the added costs that their choices might bring. Unbundled services available a la carte are the new reality.
Thanks for listening. Until next time, this is Joe Kleinsasser for 麻豆传媒.