Travelers hope booking late leads to cheaper flights

"In terms of how the season looks, we had a very, very strong year last year for Christmas and New Year's, and we expect the same this year," she said. "Because of the way the holidays fall on Mondays this year instead of Sundays last year ... we expect all airlines to be very full again" for several days around holidays.

David Castelveter, a spokesman for the Air Transport Association of America, said that even though prices have crept up, they are lower than they were in 2000, before Internet shopping took off.

Castelveter said Thanksgiving travel appeared to go smoothly, even with more travelers who dealt with new federal security rules for the first time. He said infrequent travelers should make sure they understand the rules for carry-on baggage, which limit liquids to 3 ounces placed in a one-quart zip-top bag. And, he said, don't bring wrapped gifts because security may need to search them.

"We definitely believe that there will be a high volume of travelers," he said. "Come prepared."

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