Syrian conflict could push up US holiday airfares

PHOENIX — If you’re booking a flight for Thanksgiving, it might be a good idea to do it soon.

KTAR travel expert Louie Thiele said there could be some Thanksgiving price wars among airlines starting next month. On top of the usual war, there could be a “fly in the ointment, and that has to do with all of the activity going on in the middle east and the price of oil.”

Thiele said the crisis in Syria could lead to higher fuel costs and that may affect any Thanksgiving airline deals. If you book your airline flights now, you could avoid paying higher prices because of fuel.

Booking now could also save you some other headaches. Thiele said it’s easier to get the flight you want leaving Phoenix than it is coming back because some travelers leaving town may do it as early as the weekend prior to Thanksgiving and there may be a greater selection of flights leaving town.

Coming back may be different. Thiele said most people will be trying to fly back on either Friday or Saturday, and that could make it tougher for you to get a flight. If you try to book a Sunday flight, you will be competing with business travelers who will be trying to get to their destinations on time to get to work on Monday.

Theile said one way you may be able to save money is by booking a connecting flight to your destination instead of a direct one.

“Connections are almost always cheaper than non-stops,” he said. “Also, the earlier flights of the day are usually the least expensive. People don’t want to get up for a 6 a.m. flight, but it can usually save you about $100 each way.”

Theile also said you may be able to find deals on travel websites like kayak.com.