The desire to escape is widespread. But enjoying the summer will be more expensive and more difficult this year if there is indecision, because flights and hotels become more expensive as the high season arrives. Even with the offer to recover from the pandemic, there are fewer sites available, and fighting for them requires anticipation more than ever. Between selling out quickly and last-minute offers being ruled out, foresight is a must.
Prices to fly go up. There is a combination of demand pressure, unleashed after covid, and a sector below 2019. In addition, airlines have seen the value of fuel double, which is about a third of their costs, says Javier Gándara, president of the Airline Association (ALA). At the same time they have the challenge of continuing to stimulate demand, since, according to the latest data, for April, the aircraft load factor was 80%.
As a result, data on the Kiwi.com flight portal indicates that sales prices are 30% more expensive than last year, when companies adapted them to encourage purchases. But over 2019 the average price is 10% lower because low cost trips have more weight and still "continue to offer promotions to boost demand", details Mario Gavira, vice president of growth of the company. Specifically, the prices of one of the largest in the sector are 19% lower. In hotels, in the National Union of Travel Agencies (UNAV) they put the increase at 5%, specifies José Luis Méndez, its president, although they vary by area.
The dates make the difference. "To travel between July 1 and August 31, you will no longer find bargains," warns Gavira. The biggest impact is seen on long haul flights. “On the Europe-Latin America route, for example, capacity is still 30% lower. Companies have fewer seats to fill and try to make as much money as possible, ”he continues. “Rule number one is to book as quickly as possible. Prices are only going to go up.”
It also serves the flexibility of schedules, which allow "more possibility of attractive rates", especially in low cost. And get away from dates with more demand – from July 10 to August twenty-something. "June and September are phenomenal to enjoy the holidays, there are lower prices and the same service," says Méndez. The Balearic Islands, Andalusia, the center of Europe -except the Baltics, through Russia- or New York are some of the most popular destinations, he reviews.
In times of inflation and more expenses in families, the rise in prices would already be noticeable in the reservations that are made. "Days are cut, from 10 to 7, and trips are divided, waiting for the low season or winter to finish vacations," say travel agencies. It is something that could be extended: for winter, when disposable income may be more affected by inflation and with less savings capacity, the vision “is very uncertain”, anticipates Gándara.
The pressure of demand is also noticeable in luxury. "In hotels prices almost double, with rooms that have jumped from 1,200 to 2,000 euros in destinations with more pull, and to travel in business has gone from getting tickets of 2,000 euros to those worth up to 6,000", reviews Francesc Escánez , director of Atlántida Viatges. "The demand is so strong that people take it anyway," he says. In star destinations, such as Italy, Greece or Croatia – this year the Mediterranean triumphs – trying to go all out in July or August is already almost impossible. And get yachts or private planes, too.
Whoever waits for last minute deals has to lose. Except for some isolated cases such as cruises to the Baltic countries or the Caribbean, they will not exist, it coincides. “In Italy or Greece you will no longer find bargains on flights or in the highest level hotels. It is best to plan for the long term; if not, you will pay more. If you know you want to go in the summer, take it in February, don't wait." “There are destinations without seats. It must be booked at least 30-45 days before the departure date, "says Méndez. As always, planning ahead pays off. This year, with pressure from all sides, more.
