When should you buy a flight home for the holidays? DFW travel advisor has tips
Plane tickets are so expensive nowadays, flying could be considered a luxury.
In fact, an average round-trip domestic ticket from DFW Airport cost $442.24 in Q1 of 2025, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. DFW Airport is also the seventh-largest airport by passenger population.
Airline ticket prices are based on supply and demand. The more people looking at a flight, the more expensive a seat on that plane will be, says Denise DelVecchio, owner and lead travel advisor of Magic Destinations Travel LLC.
Ahead of one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, DelVecchio let us in on a few secrets. Here’s what she said.
Tips and tricks when booking a flight
Travelers can’t necessarily control prices of a flight, but what they can control is how early they book their flights.
“As far out as you can do, is always the best.” DelVecchio told the Star-Telegram.
- Flights are available starting 360 days from their return departure date. DelVecchio suggests buying at least six months before travel.
- When it gets closer to the time of travel, more customers will be searching for the same flight, thus driving up the price.
- DelVecchio says it’s true when you look at a flight online and don’t buy, when you return the price will most likely be higher just because you looked at it.
- It’s a myth that there are certain days where it’s cheaper to buy your flight. Bottom line: It’s based on supply and demand.
- The day before, of and after holidays will always be more expensive and busy.
- It’s almost always cheaper to buy a round-trip ticket rather than two one-ways. The only reason to buy two one-ways is if a customer is flying out of a different airport they flew into.
- Bundling flights with hotels always makes things cheaper.
- Third-party websites (Google Flights, Expedia, Priceline, Skyscanner, etc.) sell “distressed inventory” tickets, which is why they are cheaper. This leaves customers with flights that airlines are unable to sell– this could mean customers get the short end of the stick.
- Travel advisors get special rates on flights by working with consolidators.
- Travel advisors often charge a ticketing fee to book flights only. That can range from $25 -$50 per ticket. Travel Advisors work on straight commission and airlines haven’t paid commission for domestic flights since before 9-11.
- Never book a layover shorter than 45 minutes.
- Always book with travel insurance.
“Have you seen how the baggage carriers treat your luggage?” says DelVecchio. “If they knock a wheel off your bags, or bust the zipper, you can file it on your insurance and get it fixed, or even sometimes replaced.”
Travel insurance can cover unexpected challenges like hotels and meals, lost luggage or weather delays and flight cancellations. If the airline doesn’t reimburse, travel insurance can.
Tips and tricks when traveling out of DFW Airport
Now, when flying out DFW, DelVecchio has a few go-to guidelines:
- American Airlines has the most direct flights out of DFW. Delta or United? Not as much.
- Like the airport suggests, DelVecchio agrees: Arrive at least three hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic flight.
- Cheaper airlines (basic economy/ NDC fares) do not guarantee everyone overhead bin space. Oftentimes, paying more for an airline that includes a carry-on is the best option.
- Parking at the airport is always a good option. DelVecchio’s favorite service to use is The Parking Spot.
- DelVecchio also suggests always checking your bags for a more seamless vacation.
This story was originally published October 13, 2025 at 4:00 PM.