Thinking about flying somewhere for Thanksgiving?

A turkey may have a better chance than most travelers.

That’s because the bird won’t have to contend with higher air fares, fewer seats, security checks and long lines at the ticket counter.

Travelers can expect to pay $50 to $70 more per ticket to most destinations compared to last Thanksgiving, said Rose White with AAA Nebraska.

Most people want to fly on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, making it the busiest travel day of the year. They also want to fly back the Sunday after the holiday. Expect to pay premium prices for seats on those two days — up to $1,000 for a round-trip ticket, depending on destination, said Steve Glenn, president of Executive Travel in Lincoln.

“I think people will have sticker shock,” he said.

But Glenn doesn’t want to scare people off from flying.  He said seats are still available and at low prices if travelers are flexible — meaning if they leave perhaps on Tuesday and return on Monday.

“Thanksgiving and Christmas are some of the highest travel days of the year,” said John Wood, executive director of the Lincoln Airport Authority. “You can expect full airplanes and full airports.”

To save on fuel and boost profits, airlines have cut back on the number of domestic flights and moved them to the more lucrative international market.

“More people are chasing fewer seats,” Glenn said. “They (airlines) are not expanding their fleets.”

White also urged flyers to be flexible if they want to get a good deal. She suggested flying out on Friday or Saturday, when hardly anybody is taking to the skies.

If you can do it, flying on Thanksgiving Day — when most people are eating turkey — may get you an even a better  bargain. Also consider coming home on Saturday instead of Sunday.

In fact, Northwest and United Airlines announced airfare sales late last week, but you’ll still find the cheapest fares if you fly on Thanksgiving day and the day after, as well as the Wednesday after the holiday.

“Seat availability is extremely tight right now, so we’re asking people who have not booked yet to do so as soon as possible,” White said.

Many travelers were smart and booked months ago. Early bookings are 42 percent ahead of last year, according to a recent analysis by Sabre Airline Solutions.

And if you’re thinking it will be easier and less expensive to fly home for Christmas, think again.

“Christmas is already full because it’s on a Monday and so is  New Year’s,” Glenn said, “so they are long weekends.”

If you want to be home for Christmas, book now, he said.

“Actually, we’ve been telling them (customers) that for three months,” he added.

But whatever you do, Glenn advised: “Don’t give up hope.”

T-Day travel tips

— Be flexible when booking flights. Leaving a day earlier or returning a day later may save you big bucks.

— Book direct flights whenever possible. Also try to avoid flights into airline hubs and cities prone to winter storms.

— Arrive at the airport at least an hour early, longer if you have special needs, are unfamiliar with the airport or are flying overseas. 

— Tie a bright ribbon or cloth to the antenna of your vehicle so you can spot it easily in the airport parking lot — a great idea in case it snows while you are gone.

— Check federal aviation rules for what’s permissible in luggage. At press time, the 3-ounce rule is still in effect: Liquids, gels and aerosols may be packed in carry-on luggage if they’re in 3-ounce or smaller containers. They should be placed in a quart-size zip-top clear plastic bag and removed from carry-ons for X-ray screening. For more information, visit www.tsa.gov.

— Watch weight limits for luggage and any gifts you bring along or take home. It could cost you extra.

Reach Algis J. Laukaitis at 473-7243 or alaukaitis@journalstar.com.