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Holiday travel costs are rising but deals are still out there, experts say

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 19:57 GMT by FOX 32
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Holiday Travel Costs Are on the Rise – But Deals Still Exist, Experts Say

Chicago, IL – As the holiday season approaches, many travelers are feeling the pinch of higher prices across the board—from flights and hotels to car rentals and vacation packages. A recent Fox 32 Chicago feature, “Holiday Travel Costs Rising, Deals Still Out There, Experts Say,” takes a closer look at the factors driving the uptick, offers a glimpse into what travelers can expect to pay, and provides practical advice from industry professionals on how to snag the best bargains before the end‑of‑year rush.

1. The Numbers Behind the Price Surge

According to the article, the U.S. travel industry has been grappling with a 15‑20% increase in airfare compared to last holiday season. Airlines cite higher fuel costs, tighter seat inventory, and lingering supply‑chain disruptions as the main culprits. “We’re seeing a rebound in demand that is outpacing the supply of seats,” says Linda Ortega, a senior analyst with the Airline Travel Association. “When airlines run low on inventory, they’re forced to raise prices.”

Hotel rates, too, have spiked—especially in major vacation destinations such as Orlando, Cancun, and the West Coast. The article cites the latest data from the National Hotel Association, noting that average nightly rates in these markets are up 12% relative to the same period last year. Even budget‑friendly chains like Holiday Inn Express and Marriott’s Courtyard report a 9‑10% increase on average.

Car rentals, another crucial piece of the holiday travel puzzle, have seen a 7% rise in rates, according to the U.S. Rental Car Association. “You can still get decent deals if you book early and lock in a prepaid rate,” notes James Patel, a rental‑car consultant who works with major chains.

The cumulative effect of these price hikes is that the average traveler could be paying roughly 25% more for a typical holiday trip than they would have a year ago. For families traveling cross‑country or internationally, the total cost can balloon even higher.

2. Why the Prices are Rising: Supply, Demand, and the Pandemic Legacy

The Fox 32 feature goes into depth about how the long‑term effects of the COVID‑19 pandemic continue to ripple through the travel sector. While the industry has largely recovered, the “new normal” has introduced higher operational costs:

• Fuel Surcharges – With global oil prices hovering above $80 a barrel, airlines are passing on fuel costs to passengers.
• Staffing Challenges – Recruiting and retaining skilled flight attendants, pilots, and hotel staff have become more difficult and expensive.
• Health & Safety Protocols – Extra cleaning, health screenings, and contactless services add to overhead.
• Reduced Seat Availability – Many airlines have cut back on flight frequencies during peak travel periods to stay below capacity limits.

Additionally, the article points out that consumer confidence has been on a gradual rebound, with more people eager to travel after the prolonged travel hiatus. The result? A perfect storm of rising costs and increasing demand.

3. Still a Sea of Deals: What Experts Recommend

Despite the headline‑grabbing price hikes, the Fox 32 feature makes it clear that savvy travelers can still find worthwhile deals if they know where to look and when to book.

a) Book Early (or Late, If Possible)

The consensus among travel experts is that early booking tends to secure the best rates. “If you’re planning a trip around a major holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas, book at least 6‑8 weeks in advance,” says travel consultant Susan Kim. “You’ll lock in lower fares before airlines release their premium “last‑minute” price spikes.” The article highlights a special offer from Expedia’s “Holiday Deals” page, where travelers can compare discounted bundles for flights, hotels, and car rentals.

b) Flexible Dates Matter

Flexibility is a powerful discount lever. The Fox 32 piece notes that flights departing on a Wednesday or Thursday often cost 10‑15% less than those scheduled for Friday or Saturday. Hotels can similarly drop rates on midweek nights. Travelers willing to shift their departure or return dates by a day or two can save significant amounts.

c) Consider Alternative Airports

In many metropolitan areas, the “big three” airports carry premium surcharges. Flying into a secondary airport—such as O'Hare’s secondary runway or Chicago’s Midway—can shave $30‑$70 off a one‑way ticket. The article references the Chicago Tribune’s recommendation to “check all nearby airports when searching for flights.” Many airlines also offer discounted “regional” flights to smaller hubs that can act as a cost‑saving gateway.

d) Package Deals Still Shine

While bundling flights and hotels has traditionally been a way to lock in savings, the Fox 32 piece notes that many travel companies have revamped their packages to offer genuine discounts. A quick glance at Priceline’s “Holiday Packages” shows a 20% discount on bundled flights and hotels to popular destinations such as Orlando and Cancun. “The key is to look for exclusive package deals that aren’t advertised on the airline or hotel sites themselves,” advises travel analyst Jorge Hernandez.

e) Utilize Loyalty Programs and Credit Card Rewards

Points and miles still matter. “Even in a high‑price environment, you can leverage your airline miles or hotel points to offset costs,” says Kim. The article spotlights the Marriott Bonvoy program’s “Holiday Bonus Points” promotion, which grants an extra 10% of points on stays between December 15 and January 15.

f) Check the Latest COVID‑19 Policy Updates

While the pandemic is not as intense as in 2020, travel companies still enforce various health protocols that can affect pricing. The Fox 32 piece advises travelers to read the latest “no‑show” policies and cancellation fees before booking. “You want to avoid the hidden costs of last‑minute cancellations or the need for travel insurance that might have been required in 2021,” notes Patel.

4. Insider Tips From the Fox 32 Interview Panel

The article features a panel of experts who offer actionable insights:

• Airline Ticketing Officer, Southwest Airlines: “We’re offering a limited‑time “Holiday Saver” discount on flights to major leisure destinations. Keep an eye on our promotions page.”
• Hotel General Manager, Hilton Orlando: “For families, we’re offering free breakfast and a complimentary “Kids Club” membership when you book our package deals during the holiday season.”
• Rental‑Car Advisor, Enterprise: “If you lock in a prepaid rate, you’ll often get a 12% discount. Reserve at least two weeks in advance for the best pricing.”

5. How to Stay Informed

Fox 32 Chicago recommends using real‑time price alerts from Google Flights or Hopper to monitor airfare changes. The article also points to the “Holiday Travel Tips” section on the Chicago Tribune’s travel website, which offers updated lists of budget-friendly destinations for each holiday.

6. Bottom Line

The holiday season is undoubtedly more expensive than it was in the past few years, but the Fox 32 Chicago feature makes it clear that the market is still fluid. By booking early, staying flexible, leveraging package deals, and making use of loyalty programs, travelers can still secure favorable rates. As always, the best strategy is to start planning early, keep an eye on price trends, and be ready to act when a good deal appears.

For those who plan to travel this holiday season, the key takeaway: “The market is competitive,” says Kim. “You just need to be smarter, not spend more.”