Book Thanksgiving Flights This Week to Save Money

CHICAGO, IL — Looking to fly out of Chicago for the Thanksgiving or Christmas holidays? This week is the ideal time to buy your Thanksgiving plane tickets to capture the biggest savings, says a travel website.

And it’s a good time to review your packing needs to ensure you can make it through security screening with a minimum amount of hassle.

According to Skyscanner flight trends, the best time to book a Thanksgiving flight is during the week of Oct. 31, with an average ticket price savings of 7.73 percent. And if you plan to fly for Christmas, the cheapest tickets are generally booked the week of Nov. 21, the website says.

Skyscanner picked those dates by reviewing 2015 holiday flights.

The average cost of a plane ticket for Thanksgiving 2016 in the U.S. was $456 on Oct. 31, up from $414 last month, says Cheapair.com.

The day before the holiday, Nov. 23, will be the most expensive day to fly, while Nov. 27 will be the day when airports are most packed with travelers. If you can wait to fly home Nov. 28 or 29, you’ll pay less and face less crowded lines.

CheapAir’s blog says the least expensive seats are typically offered 3.5 months to three weeks before Thanksgiving, with fares fluctuating wildly during that timeframe. Travel site Orbitz says you’re out of luck for bargain seats for both holidays. It says Oct. 6 is the best day to buy Thanksgiving airfare, and Oct. 9 was the best date to snag your Christmas tickets.

Travel blogger Peter Greenberg says his rule of thumb is to pick midweek flights in the middle of the day about 45 days ahead of time. “That is, unless you’re planning on flying the Wednesday before Thanksgiving,” he writes.

It’s time to end your procrastination and buy a ticket, says FareCompare blogger Rick Seaney. To save money he says:

• Buy now. As of November 2016, domestic airfare prices climb $4 or $5 daily on average.
• Search multiple airline sites. Check ticket prices on several airline sites and use a fare comparison site like Priceline or Kayak for prices.
• Be as flexible as possible, such as flying on unpopular days like Thanksgiving, or fly in and out of hub airports and then drive the rest of the way if it’s feasible.
• Fly with a stop or two between your departure and destination cities instead of only booking a non-stop flight.
• Only travel with a carry-on bag, which is typically free and unlikely to get lost since it stays with you, unlike checked luggage.

The Transportation Security Administration has some advice for you before you catch a flight during the busy winter holiday season at Chicago O'Hare International Airport or Chicago Midway International Airport, and that means it's best to come prepared to avoid delays in boarding your flight.

TSA officials suggest you arrive at the airport at least two hours in advance of a domestic flight and three hours in advance of an international fight to ensure that you have ample time to park your car or return a rental car, check your bags with your airline and get your boarding pass before heading to the security checkpoint.

But it's more than about arriving early. You should also prepare ahead of time by following the 3-1-1 rule: when packing toiletries, have no more than 3.4 ounces of liquid in a 1-quart plastic bag, and no more than one bag for every person.

Wear shoes that are easy to get on and off as you go through security screening.

Prepare by emptying your pockets before heading through the checkpoint screening equipment. Also, make sure you don't have any prohibited items.

Travelers are encouraged to follow these tips:

• Arrive early. Up to two hours before a domestic flight and three hours in advance of an international flight.
• Prepare for security when packing. Put large liquids, gels, creams and aerosols into checked bags -- think shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream and anti-perspirant. If you’ve only got a carry-on bag, make sure all of your liquids follow the 3-1- 1 rule.
• Follow 3-1- 1 liquids rule for your carry-on bag. Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces or less and all bottles must fit in a single quart-size plastic bag and placed in a bin for screening. Let the TSA officer know right away if you’re traveling with larger quantities of medically necessary liquid medications or breast milk or formula for an infant.
• Documents ready: When you enter the checkpoint line have an acceptable ID and boarding pass out of your wallet and ready to hand to the TSA officer. Once you get to the screening tables, remove large electronics including laptops and the 3-1- 1 liquids bag, from carry-on baggage.
• Less accessories: Consider minimizing items that you wear to the airport such as bulky jewelry, scarves, hair accessories, large belts and other bulky items that are likely to require additional screening. Remove all items from your pockets and put them into one of your carry-on bags so you won’t lose them.
• @AskTSA: If you have questions on what is allowed through the security checkpoint, contact a TSA employee for live assistance 365 days a year via Twitter. Tweet your questions and comments to @AskTSA from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends/holidays. Call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at 1-855- 787-2227 with any questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint 72 hours prior to traveling.

Patch file photo