Hotwire, the
premier discount travel site, today reports that one-fourth of Hotwire holiday
travelers bought airline tickets within three weeks of departure this year,
with December 22,23,28,29 and 30 being the most popular travel days. Below is
exactly when Hotwire customers bought holiday airfare:

 
—32 percent of Hotwire customers booked more than 60 days prior to
    departure

  —43 percent of Hotwire customers booked within 21 to 60 days

  —19 percent booked within eight to 20 days

  —Six percent booked within seven days

 
Additionally, Hotwire reports strong holiday airfare savings in 2001, with
the largest discounts for those who booked travel returning January 3 or
later. Travelers saved the most money on the following dates*:

 
—December 25, 28, 29

—January 3,4,5,6

 
Compared to the 2001 Thanksgiving holidays, Hotwire customers booked
longer trips in December, traveling an average of 3,016 miles versus 2,612 for
Thanksgiving. The most popular December holiday destinations are, in order:

 
—New York City

  —Denver

  —San Francisco

  —Dallas

  —Los Angeles

  —Phoenix

  —Chicago

  —Las Vegas

  —Minneapolis

 
  *Dates chosen by highest percentage of money saved with Hotwire
Hot-Fares(SM) versus published airline fares. Customers on all dates listed
saved an average of 30 percent or more with Hotwire versus all available
airfares.

 
About Hotwire

  Hotwire launched in October 2000, offering an affordable and easy way for
the leisure traveler to purchase airline tickets, hotel rooms and car rentals
online with trusted brands. By asking customers to be flexible on certain
details like exact time or airline, Hotwire can save customers a significant
amount of money off published prices—and even airline Web sales. Hotwire
currently offers Hot-Fares(SM) on airline tickets with 33 airlines including
founding partners American, America West, Continental, Northwest, United and
U.S. Airways. In addition, Hotwire Hot-Rates(SM) are available with top hotels
in 139 U.S. cities and resort destinations. Named “Best Bargain Booker” by
Yahoo! Internet Life magazine (6/01), Hotwire maintains a consumer focus on
low prices, major travel brands and a simple user experience.

www.hotwire.com

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