Five tips for holiday airline travel

October 28, 6:43 PMDallas Aviation Safety ExaminerBrett Holt

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Southwest Airlines arrives into Dallas Love Field on a wintery day.
Bett Holt

The air is chilled and your kids are probably already creating their Christmas lists. That must mean the holidays are upon us. If that means traveling by airline, you may be in for a bit of a shock. Airlines have drastically cut back on the available number of seats since last year. The result is higher than ever prices for the seasonal traveler.

For example, current ticket prices from Dallas to Midwestern destinations are now reaching the $500 mark. Last year's prices where hovering around $300. Don't forget you bags either. Those may now cost you an additional fee upon check-in. Below is a list of what airlines serving Dallas are charging for your first checked bag.

• Air Tran - $15
• Alaska - $15
• American - $20
• Continental - $15-$20
• Dela/Northwest - $15
• Frontier - $15
• Southwest - $0
• United - $15-$20
• US Airways - $15-$20

So what is a large family that just has to get home to grandma's house to do? Below are some key tips in helping with your holiday airline travel stresses.

1. Be Flexible - Most airline's online scheduling allows you to search with flexible dates. By adjusting your arrival and departure date you may be able to save hundreds of dollars. Try traveling on early flights or on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve.
2. Pack Wisely - Avoid baggage fees! Some airlines will knock off $5 if you pay the fee online. Carry on you bag when possible. Winter travel means delays and cancellations which can lead to lost checked luggage. Check-in one large bag with the bulk of your family's clothes, then carry on the essentials.
3. Check-in Early - Checking in early puts you at a slightly higher priority than the rest of the passengers. When flights are oversold, the last to check-in are often the first to get bumped. 
4. Layovers Are Your Friend - Everybody tries to avoid excessive layovers at the airport. However, it's the key to traveling in the winter months. Try shoot for a an hour and a half to two hours. That way your winter weather delays won't make you miss one or multiple connections. 
5. Use Airline Miles - Using your airline miles may allow you to choose premium reserved seats that aren't available to other passengers (exit row, aisle, and forward cabin seats). If your not part of a mileage reward system, start now! Better yet, sign up for airline credit cards that offer free sign-up miles and bonus rewards.