Westwood, MA (April 25, 2023) — AAA advises those looking to book a trip over the summer to get their calendars ready and book as quickly as possible. What’s the rush? As Americans continue to make up for lost time, the travel industry is experiencing high demand and supply constraints driving up airfare, hotel, and car rental rates. Waiting too long to book can result in limited inventory and sold-out cruises, tours, or direct flights.
For those planning to fly domestically, AAA advises that the ideal booking window is approximately 35-40 days prior to departure; however, international flights should be booked six months or more in advance. Some airlines are reducing flights to key areas like New York City this summer to accommodate for air traffic controller shortages. Domestic airfare is likely to increase approximately 7% from April to May and are likely to increase up to 30% this summer. The average domestic airline ticket will cost $350 by May. Ticket prices for international trips are up more than 30%; according to AAA booking data, international travel is up more than 200% compared to 2022.
“Even as inflation continues to drive up costs across the travel industry, Americans are prioritizing leisure travel. With high demand this summer, it’s important to do your homework and rely on travel experts, like AAA travel advisors. There are deals to be had,” said Cyndi Zesk, Vice President of Travel at AAA Northeast. “The key is giving yourself plenty of time to plan ahead.”
According to the U.S. Travel Association’s Travel Price Index (TPI), a measure of the cost of travel based on the U.S. Department of Labor price data collected for the monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI), the index increased 4.9% year over year from 337.2 in March of 2022 to 353.6 in March of this year.
March 2022 March 2023 Percentage Change
Hotels/Motels 380.9 411.6 +8%
Airfare 243.7 286.8 +18%
Transportation 313.3 294.8 -5.9%
Recreation 334.9 352.8 +5.3%
Food & Beverage 324.7 352.7 +8.6%
5 Tips to Prepare for a Busy Summer Travel Season
- PRIORITIZE YOUR PASSPORT
You can’t travel internationally without a passport. If you don’t have one, apply ASAP! The U.S. Department of State issues passports, and routine service normally takes 8 to 11 weeks. But pandemic-related application backlogs coupled with a surge in travel demand are leading to longer wait times, anywhere from 10 to 13 weeks. Even some expedited services are seeing delays of about 7 to 9 weeks. If you already have a passport, check the expiration date. Some countries require passports be valid for six months beyond your departure date from the United States. Your destination might also require a travel visa. AAA members get exclusive rates on expediting services for U.S. passports and global travel visas with RushMyPassport.
- SIGN UP FOR TSA PRECHECK
TSA PreCheck will expedite the security process and save time. TSA is predicting that air travel will be “comfortably above” pre-pandemic numbers this summer. It’s key to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before domestic flights, 3 hours before international flights, as international hubs will be packed with passengers this season.
- CRUISE!
Travelers watching their budgets should check out homeport cruises to save on airfare. Cruising allows you to experience multiple destinations without staying at multiple hotels and provides great value with meals and entertainment included. This year, cruising is in high demand. AAA booking data shows cruises departing from international destinations are up 30% compared to 2022. Cruises sailing in Northern Europe, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean are among the most popular. European river cruises and Expedition sailings are also high on the list.
- THINK ABOUT GROUND TRANSPORTATION TOO
Reserve your rental car early and don’t forget to reserve airport parking ahead of time to save time on your departure day. If traveling internationally, many countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive legally. An IDP is a valid form of identification that includes your name, photo, and driver information. Even if a country doesn’t require an IDP, your rental car company might. An IDP must be issued in the same country as the driver’s license of the traveler and may not be issued more than six months before the desired effective date. AAA is one of only two private entities in the U.S. authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue an IDP.
- BE FLEXIBLE TO SAVE, BUT RESERVE EARLY
One of the best ways to save money on travel is to be flexible with your dates. Try flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; mid-week flights tend to be cheaper, as many airlines add weekend surcharges. When booking a hotel, try to avoid properties in the city center, which tend to be pricier. Also, find out how much the hotel charges in resort fees, parking, and internet — all of that adds up!
Remember that theme parks and National Parks can fill to full capacity, so reservations are recommended to ensure you can experience everything you are hoping to see and do on your trip.
Travel advisors have the experience you need to find the best rates and itineraries during this busy season and will give you peace of mind.