Priceline: Get ready for higher holiday fares, thanks to lower capacity

The average national airfare for the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons is trending about 3% higher than last year, according to Priceline. The national average for Thanksgiving domestic airfares is $393, compared with $382 last year. The national average for Christmas domestic airfares is $430 versus $420 last year.

"The number of available seats for holiday travel is still down due to flight reductions and airline mergers," said Brian Ek of Priceline. "That reduces the chances that holiday fares are going to drop," he added.

From the release, some additional numbers:
-- The most affordable days to fly over the Thanksgiving holiday are Nov 19, 22, 27, 28, 29 and 30. Other moderately priced days to consider are Nov 18 and 23.

-- The most affordable days to fly over the Christmas holidays are Dec 17, 18, 25, and Jan 1. Other moderately priced days to consider are Dec 15, 16, 19, 23, 24, 27, 31, and Jan 2.