Good Fares Possible for Christmas Travelers; Important Changes at Airport

Travelers will be able to find the best deals if they are willing to fly on the holiday itself.

"So if you're flexible, do your Santa Claus in the morning and leave in the afternoon," says travel agent Tony Maupin. "Some people can do it and find some great deals."

If you do not mind leaving the family for the holidays, the best bargains can be found on fares to Europe. Some fares to London are cheaper than fares to New York during this time of year.

In addition to airport fees and taxes, many airlines are adding a $40 fuel surcharge to their base price for tickets.

There is a way to avoid the surcharge. Many airlines flying out of RDU International do not add it on routes that Southwest Airlines flies. The low-cost carrier is keeping airfares competitive at RDU. A Litte More Elbow Room at the Airport This YearRDU has expanded the security checkpoint waiting area inside Terminal A. People no longer have to wait on the steps to pass through the X-ray machines.

A new security checkpoint with added X-ray machines is in the works for next year. New Section of Satellite Parking Lot OpensJust in time for the busiest travel holiday of the year, more parking spaces are open at RDU.

A new section of Park and Ride #3 opened Friday. It has 2,000 more spaces, which almost doubles the number of available parking spaces in the lot.

This is also the first Thanksgiving that travelers will be able to use the new parking deck outside of Terminal A. Changes for Airport CabbiesPeople who plan to take a cab to and from the airport should be prepared to pay a little more this year.

A recently approved rate hike raises the charge for the first mile to $3.50, and for each additional mile by 20 cents.

The Airport Authority says they want cabbies to invest the extra cash in better service.