Book holiday flights now, according to travel experts. Prices are more competitive and tickets are more flexible than ever.

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Like many things in 2020, the normal travel rules changed. While October is usually a good time to find holiday travel deals, experts say right now is a great time to book travel.

Airlines are doing everything possible to entice travelers. Fares are reduced. There is flexibility in changes and cancellations. Safety measures are in place to provide a clean, healthier environment.

Because of the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, travelers are waiting until the last minute to book flights. A recent report stated 46 percent of trips booked lately are departing within 14 days. Airlines offer deals to encourage more advanced bookings.

This is not to say there won’t be more deals later in the year, but most experts advise travelers to take advantage of a good price when one is found.

I am not concerned about holiday travel because my sisters will still be in town. I have already booked flights in 2021 to Arizona and Florida to visit them and escape the harsh Chicago winter. Choosing non-holiday flights and having time flexibility, I found several good deals.

People are returning to travel, which is great for the travel industry, and the deals won’t go away tomorrow, but I followed the experts’ advice and am happy with the deals I got. I look forward to flying again in 2021.

— John Wroblewski, online writer