Air travel and fares head up for holiday

NEW YORK, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- Pent up demand is apt to increase travel on U.S. airlines for the Thanksgiving holiday, industry analysts said.

"Many who stayed home for the holidays last year are hopping on a plane this year," said FareCompare.com Chief Executive Officer Rick Seaney, The Dallas Morning Star reported Tuesday.

The Air Transport Association also predicted an increase in fliers for the holiday. The trade group said 3.5 percent more passengers will fly this year compared to a year ago for a total of 24 million.

The ATA counts a 12-day period, Nov. 19 through Nov. 30, as Thanksgiving travel.

As the number of passengers recovers from a prolonged, recessionary slump, however, fare prices are also headed higher.

On Monday, the Department of Labor Statistics said domestic air fares had risen 13.1 percent in the second quarter of 2010 from the same period a year ago.