LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A recent survey from the American Automobile Association (AAA) indicates that many Michiganders are planning to buy holiday tickets early to avoid higher prices. 

The survey of Michigan residents indicated that 20% of participants are planning to travel during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons. Within those participants, 46% said they plan to book flights earlier than in the past due to higher ticket prices. 

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AAA’s survey took place the week of July 8 and polled 5,000 Michiganders. 

More than half of Thanksgiving travelers and nearly half of Christmas travelers intend to have their travel plans completed by the end of this month according to the survey. 

“Travelers expecting to fly this Thanksgiving should start locking in those plans now,” Vice President of travel for AAA Debbie Haas said. Debbie Haas. “Airline staffing shortages have resulted in fewer flights and higher prices. As we get closer to the holidays, airfares are likely to get even more expensive as flights fill up. Our best advice is simple: Book early. This will increase the odds of finding the flight you want at a competitive price.”

AAA is recommending that individuals book now to have more choices and flexibility because they are expecting a busy air travel season. 

The company is also encouraging that buyers purchase morning flights – which are less likely to experience cancellations or delays – buying travel insurance, and carefully reviewing the airline’s policies to avoid rebooking. 

The survey also indicated that Michiganders are now 40% more likely to buy travel insurance than before the pandemic. 

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As of now, Delta airlines is offering flight ticket deals for select flights, and Delta Skymiles members can save up to $250 per flight and hotel bundle. 

In November, AAA will release its Thanksgiving Travel Forecast.