Fall Travel Demand Expected to Remain Strong as Domestic Travel Prices Drop
Despite a Rocky Summer for Travelers, Industry Expert Offers Advice on When to Buy and Where to Go for Labor Day and Beyond
SOUTHLAKE, Texas | Despite coming off a pricey, overcrowded summer travel season, with strong demand expected into fall, consumers searching for reasonable deals this Labor Day will be pleasantly surprised. According to recent Travelocity data, the average domestic airfare is down for this Labor Day (1.2 percent) and fall season (3 percent) compared to 2006.
While early numbers don’t yet reveal a huge shift in the airline pricing cycle, it could mean good news for travelers looking into flights for the holidays. "If I knew where I was headed this holiday season I'd snap up my ticket as soon as possible," said Amy Ziff, Travelocity’s editor at large. "We believe that travelers should consider taking advantage of the lower rates available right now."
Travelocity’s fall data also revealed that travel booking windows have grown compared to the same time last year. Likely attributed to high prices and crowded skies this summer, consumers have learned to prepare for potential challenges, purchasing fall trips an average of two days further in advance than last fall. A snapshot of additional fall data findings include:
Top Fall Destinations with air fare PRICE DECREASES Year-Over-Year: 1. Charleston air fare pricing down 24 percent 2. Atlanta air fare pricing down 18 percent 3. Phoenix air fare pricing down 9 percent 4. San Diego air fare pricing down 8.5 percent Top Booked DOMESTIC Destinations: 1. Las Vegas 6. Chicago 2. Orlando 7. Los Angeles 3. New York 8. Washington, DC 4. South Florida 9. Phoenix 5. San Francisco 10. Denver Top Booked INTERNATIONAL Destinations: 1. Cancun 6. Aruba 2. Cabo San Lucas 7. Paris 3. Rome 8. Bahamas 4. London 9. Barcelona 5. Puerto Vallarta 10. Jamaica
Whether seeking a romantic Labor Day getaway or family adventure, Travelocity’s data miners dug deep to find the top destinations of the season based on different travel groups’ interests.
Popular Labor Day Destinations for SINGLES:
- Atlanta
- Minneapolis
- Detroit
- London
Popular Destinations for COUPLES:
- Honolulu
- Miami
- Dominican Republic
- Jamaica
Popular Destinations for FAMILIES:
- Orlando
- Cancun
- Puerto Vallarta
- Aruba
"The best way to deal with crowded airports and delays is to be prepared," says Ziff, who suggests that travelers fly early, fly direct, and pack snacks to bring with them when they head to the airport.