Priceline.com Says Average Christmas-Time Airfare Is Now $422

Priceline.com (Nasdaq: PCLN) reported today that the average Christmas-time airfare booked by its customers is now $422, based on all tickets purchased between November 3rd and December 2nd.  At this time last year, the average Christmas fare booked by priceline.com customers was $431.

"While there are still tickets available for holiday travel, procrastinating travelers will find their choices much more limited when it comes to getting the lowest-priced tickets," said Priceline Senior Travel Analyst Brian Ek.  "Three weeks ago, our Best Days To Fly Calendar showed seven days close-in to the holidays when the lowest-price tickets were available.  Today, there are only three – December 20, December 25 (Christmas Day) and December 30.  Your other options are to fly the week before Christmas, preferably December 13-16, or to try priceline.com's Name Your Own Price® airline ticketing service, where you can trade some travel flexibility for a discount on your tickets."

To see this year's Priceline Best Days To Fly For The Holidays calendar, and to access Priceline's Name Your Own Price® airline ticketing service, visit: http://travela.priceline.com/promo/deals/winter_holidays/flights.html.

Ek also had some additional tips to help find cheaper airfare and keep those travel costs down after the airfare is booked.

• Pick times of the day that are normally less busy.  Time of day is important.  Travelers will find the most affordable seats departing early in the morning (5-7 a.m.) or late evening (after 8 p.m.).  Mid-day (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.) is a bit more expensive, but still reasonable.  Most expensive are the peak business travel hours (8-10 a.m. and 5-7 p.m.).

• Send those presents on ahead.  You see presents; the airlines see extra baggage and maybe some extra fees.  Not to mention how unhappy the security screeners will be to see those wrapped boxes.  Save yourself the hassle by mailing or shipping presents in advance (after you've wrapped them, of course).

• Weigh and measure your baggage.  Check your airline's maximum requirements for checked and carry-on bags to make sure you won't incur extra fees.  Fees can be up to $25 for the first bag and $35 for the second.  Note: baggage fees are charged separately for your outbound and return flights.