Priceline.com Reports Decline in Christmas Air Fares

Priceline.com said that the average Christmas-time air fare booked by its customers is $422, based on all tickets purchased between Nov. 3 and Dec. 2. 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 -- Dec. 20, Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) and Dec. 30.”