Last-minute Labor Day travel

Help Me Hank travel alert, holiday prices lower

DETROIT – The days are getting shorter, the kids going back to school, another Michigan summer is coming to a close. If you want to end the summer with some holiday fun, it's not too late to plan a last-minute Labor Day getaway.

And, there's good news about prices according to experts at Orbitz.com. "Affordable airfare and a strong hotel market really making it advantageous time for travelers to get away," said Jeannene Tornatore, Senior Editor at the travel website.

Whether you travel by car or plane, your trip should be less expensive than 2015. While AAA reports gas prices edging up in recent week, the statewide average as of August 21st was $2.32 a gallon, about 59 cents less than this time last year.

And, if you want to hop on a plane, Tornatore says Orbitz is seeing flight prices lower than the past couple of seasons. One word of caution, you won't be able to use those frequent flier miles on the holiday, it's another blackout period. However, consumer experts urge you to use those miles whenever you are able, you don't want lose them.

"You might never use those points at all just because they will expire in a lot of cases if you re not actively participating in programs," advised Kelli Grant, CNBC Consumer Reporter. She also warns airlines are now frequently changing their terms for earning and redeeming miles.
Saving money when you travel

If you're looking to save money this Labor Day, Jeannene Tornatore of Orbitz also suggests you try bundling you air fare and hotel. It's one of the money-saving tricks you can use year round to travel on a budget.

Other suggestion from Help Me Hank

1) Consider winter destinations in the summer. Ski resorts and mountain towns offer great hiking, biking and other summer outdoor activities when there's no snow on the ground. And, the prices are lower in the off-season.

2) If you don't bundle your trip, try bartering for a lower hotel rate. Consumer Reports found that less than 30 percent of hotel customers ask for a better price, but more than 75% of those who do ask say they either got a better rate or a better room.

3) Use travel rewards on credit cards. Some cards will provide a free checked bag. You can also accrue miles that will help you pay for future trips.

4) Keep an eye out for future rate drops. You can use online tools to automatically track the price of your flight or hotel. They will send you an alert if the price changes, and you can request a refund. You won't receive a refund on non-refundable fares.

5) Consider alternative airports. For example Chicago Midway is often less expensive than flights out of Chicago O'hare.

6) Try to fly on Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday as fewer people travel on those days.


About the Authors:

Hank Winchester is Local 4’s Consumer Investigative Reporter and the head of WDIV’s “Help Me Hank” Consumer Unit. Hank works to solve consumer complaints, reveal important recalls and track down thieves who have ripped off people in our community.