The Deseret Morning News researched flights on three major airlines and one travel Web site for holiday airline travel three days before and the day before Thanksgiving and Christmas. The cheapest and most expensive one-way, economy class flights from Salt Lake City to nine major cities across the United States were recorded for each respective company.

Flying three days before Thanksgiving rather than the day before could save a passenger an average of $52. But book fast — flights on American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines were rapidly rising. Over the two-day period the Deseret Morning News looked up flights on the three airlines Web sites, the cost of many flights on Nov. 23 increased. For example, a morning flight to Atlanta on Delta rose from $274.40 to $369.60; a flight to Denver on American Airlines rose from $265 to $465.50.

To avoid airport crowds and save money, flying out on a less busy day — such as Thanksgiving Day itself — could be a viable option. Many airlines say planes on Thanksgiving are half full and airports are nearly empty.

But as for delaying the purchase of tickets for a Christmas getaway, Dyer says it isn't too late to begin planning. Although ideally, purchasing a ticket three months in advance will most likely ensure a coveted flight time, travelers can save money by flying before or after the 21st or 22nd of December, two high-peak days.

According to the Deseret Morning News research, flying on Christmas Eve rather than three days before Santa's visit will save an average of $48.

"But if you're going anywhere that's warm, even if you're returning home to a place that's warm, it's tricky because people are trying to get away to their winter vacations," warns Dyer, particularly from Dec. 26 to New Year's Day.

Travelers booking over the Internet should keep checking the Web and they might get lucky. Sometimes airlines run inventory specials to get rid of empty seats. Checking airline or travel Web sites late at night or early in the morning, when fewer people book flights, is the best option for bargain prices, Dyer said.

"The last-minute fares go on sale just a few days before travel," said Robin Urbanski, spokeswoman for United Airlines. "On Tuesdays, we publish our last-minute fares for the upcoming weekend. If we've got a plane that has a lot of seats unsold, we'd put them on sale."

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Contributing: Knight Ridder

E-mail: astowell@desnews.com