Book your holiday airfare

Believe it or not, it’s time to start your Christmas shopping – for holiday flights. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you consider how to nab that ticket to Grandma’s.

¢ Airlines have drastically cut back on flights, so there are fewer seats available this year than last. Bottom line? Book your seat now.

¢ The highest ticket prices are for flights between the Friday and Sunday before Christmas (Dec. 19-21). Cheaper days to fly are the Tuesday before Christmas (Dec. 23) or on Christmas itself.

¢ While connecting flights can be annoying, they can be significantly cheaper than direct or nonstop flights. If you go this route, though, make sure you have plenty of time between flights (at least an hour, more for busier or bigger airports). As for those busy airports, try to avoid connecting in Chicago, Atlanta, New York or Newark, N.J.