UNDATED (AP) — People who waited to book holiday air fares last year saved money.
This year, holding off could cost you.
Christmas fares are now running 4 percent below a year ago -- and the gap is likely to disappear soon.
Most carriers pushed through a $10 fare increase at the end of October.
For the holidays, the big airlines added a $20 surcharge each way on popular travel days closest to Christmas and New Year's.
Tom Parsons of BestFares.com compared holiday fares purchased on July 1 with the same itinerary booked on Nov 2. Several had risen 50 percent or more.
Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., had more than doubled to $528.
Airlines have been shrinking to match a decrease in travel. With the supply of seats more in line with demand, carriers have been able to raise fares close to where they were last holiday season.
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