Air Fares On The Rise For The Holidays

SAN JOSE (KCBS) - Airline ticket prices are expected to go up this holiday season. Theresa Stewart with Hawaiian Airlines at Mineta San Jose International says she expects their flights to Honolulu will continue to be full, even if fares go up an average of 17 percent nationwide.

"I'm not sure what the numbers are, but I know that we have a lot of tough competition out there, and we try to keep our prices reasonable," said Stewart.

The price hike is due to several factors, including pent-up demand. Many passengers who skipped flying during the recession are eager to visit far-away family.

Connie and Larry Turner said they would not let higher fares keep them grounded.

"We're going to go, no matter what the cost is," said Connie Turner.

"We're just getting tickets now for January at $300 roundtrip, so we can see the kids," said Larry Turner.

And travel experts say that's the trick: buying tickets as early as you can before the prices go up.

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