Although the cost of air travel has stayed at mostly affordable levels, the same can't always be said for travel within the school holiday period.
Figures released by the Government last year revealed thousands of children were taken out of school for family holidays during the school term.
Looking at flight prices, it's easy to see why.
Newshub Travel analysed the cost of traveling to three popular destinations out of Auckland and compared the cost of flights during the school term and in the school holiday period.
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The largest difference in price was on travel to Los Angeles. During the school term a return flight for a family of four would cost $4788. During the school holidays, the cost rises to $6911 - a difference of over $2000.
The gap between the two time periods was smaller when flying to Rarotonga. The cost for four people averaged out at $1714 during the school term and $3146 during the holidays. Virgin Australia was the cheapest airline on this route on all of the dates we looked at.
Finally we looked at the cost of traveling to the Gold Coast. The gap was much smaller here, but still enough to make you think twice.
During the school term the price would be $909, rising to $1339 during the holidays.
It's easy to accuse airlines of raising the prices during the school holiday period, but it simply comes down to supply and demand.
A Qantas spokesperson recommended booking as early as possible to get a good fare.
"Fares are commonly higher closer to the date of travel as the number of seats available at lower fare classes tend to sell out first," they said.
"Demand is also higher during school holidays, with many families taking a break. Also consider travelling at non-peak times."
Newshub.
