Memorial Day Weekend Air Travel
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Updated: 6:35 PM May 28, 2010
Memorial Day Weekend Air Travel
Things start off smooth sailing at Tallahassee Regional Airport for Memorial Day weekend.
Posted: 5:41 PM May 28, 2010
Reporter: Lanetra Bennett
Email Address: lanetra.bennett@wctv.tv
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Memorial Day is the unofficial start of Summer.

And additional airline fees are also set to begin with the season.

Memorial Day weekend has traditionally been a busy day for air travelers. But, this year, it may be a bit bitter sweet because everyone's excited about their vacation getaways, but, it comes at a price--a higher one.

Tallahassee Regional Airport isn't quite buzzing as much as expected for this start of Memorial Day weekend.

Passenger Amy Brown said, "That's why we showed up a little bit earlier than I would have planned on showing up. But, it hasn't been as crowded as I thought it was going to be."

Not only did the potential crowds not keep folks from booking a flight this holiday weekend, nor did the prices.

An airline consumer website says practically every major U.S. airline is adding fees to ticket prices, calling most days June through August "peak" travel days.

Passengers say flights out of Tallahassee are typically already more expensive than other airports.

But, that doesn't affect some.

Thomas Serio is going to New York. He said, "We looked at the total cost of the whole trip; me taking off from work, driving to Jacksonville, driving somewhere else. For $10, $20, $30, $40, $50 more, it really made more sense to fly out of Tallahassee."

Passenger Wilbur Johnson said, "I always try to book mine two or three weeks or a month in advance so I can get a better rate. I don't wait until the last minute, regardless of the holiday season."

The surcharges could be $10 to $30, round trip would be double.

Passenger Audrey Stone said, "It certainly isn't as cheap as it once was, but, vacation is still really important. I know like others, a lot of people are looking for ways to get away and take a break. So, we gotta do what we gotta do."

As far as the holiday crowd, airport administrators say it's been a typical day at Tallahassee Regional Airport and things are going pretty smoothly.

Experts say being flexible with your departure dates and destinations could save money; avoid weekend shopping; and don't wait if you see a good price.

For more tips on how to combat airline ticket price hikes, go to: http://www.farecompare.com/articles/airline-industry-news/10-tips-to-combat-sharp-hikes-in-summer-air-travel/

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