Airfare deals surge as Thanksgiving approaches amid rising interest

In the lead-up to Thanksgiving 2024, travelers are encountering a surge in interest in last-minute holiday travel deals, particularly for international destinations. Brian Kelly, the CEO and founder of The Points Guy, highlighted a dramatic increase in searches and bookings following the recent election, signaling a recovery in travel enthusiasm. Among the popular destinations, the Caribbean and Costa Rica emerge as affordable options, with flights to the Cayman Islands starting at $330 and to Costa Rica for under $350 from Los Angeles. The travel landscape this year sees a notable trend where prices for holiday flights appear competitive, even for domestic travel. With Wednesday through Sunday marked as the busiest and most expensive travel days, Kelly advises travelers to remain vigilant for deals that may still be available, emphasizing that it’s premature to assume that all affordable fares are gone. Airlines like JetBlue and Southwest are offering flights from Denver to Boston for under $200, translating to a remarkable price drop compared to the same period last year. For those residing in New York, flights to Miami can currently be found for less than $150 on United Airlines. Additionally, holidaymakers hoping to explore Hawaii can avail themselves of fares starting at $358 from Dallas, illustrating the diverse options without requiring international travel. Kelly strongly recommends utilizing price comparison tools, particularly the Google Flights Explore Map, to identify the cheapest routes and maximize savings while planning trips to the Caribbean and elsewhere. As more travelers consider using their credit card points for flights, this also demonstrates a trend towards a more accessible travel landscape. The recommendations from Kelly reflect a broader revival in travel interest, driven partly by the easing of concerns surrounding air travel post-pandemic, along with the general economic climate, which has made international trips financially feasible for many. Overall, the travel market is seeing a refreshing wave of options for those eager to get away for Thanksgiving, highlighting both competitive pricing and increased choice for holiday travelers this season.