If you’ve ever considered flying for the holidays, you know it can be expensive.

And our cross-country airline tickets usually cost much more than $283 each.

Read more:Traveling This Holiday Season?

Use these strategies to find the best deals on holiday airfare.

Prices for airline tickets during the holidays tend to just keep going up.

Start saving in January

If you know you plan to travel home for the holidays, start saving early.

Allocating a fund for your travels can help you spread out costs throughout the year.

This way, your wallet will hurt less when you have to pay for airline tickets.

Consider setting up a saving strategy by estimating airfare ahead of time.

Let’s say you oughta buy three tickets that you think will cost around $500 each.

you better save a total of $1,500.

Many airlines also have credit cards where you’re free to earn extra rewards.

These rewards can be redeemed for airfare.

Since this is a hub for Alaska Airlines, we applied for its rewards credit card.

This helped us earn the most miles to save money whenever we traveled by air.

you might use those converted miles to book airfare at a lower price.

Search all nearby airports

If you live near multiple airports, check them all before booking a flight.

I often check flights from all three airports to find the best deal.

But beware of blackout dates during the holidays when promotions can’t be applied.

We often saved this for holiday travel, as that saved us the most money.

Southwest offers something similar.

Qualifying rewards members earn aCompanion Pass.

This means one traveler can fly with you for just the cost of the fees.

Consider adjusting your arrival or departure days to save on airfare.

If you work remotely, consider getting there a week or two before the holiday to avoid peak prices.

If your dates aren’t flexible, think about arriving or leaving on the holiday.

you’re free to usually find a good deal if you are willing to fly on Christmas.

Factor in bag costs

Not all airlines operate the same way when it comes to bag costs.

For example, Southwest customers always get two checked bags for free.

Delta charges $35 for your first checked bag and $45 for a second one.

For example, our Alaska Airlines Visa Signature allows two free checked bags for anyone in our party.

Get a ride

Taking an Uber or parking at the airport can be expensive.

If it’s a long drive to the airport, offer to chip in for gas.

You’ll likely still save on transportation costs.

Borrow travel items

Purchasing a new suitcase or travel stroller can quickly make your trip more expensive.

Instead, ask friends or family if they have items you’re free to borrow.

You could also check thrift stores for used luggage at cheaper prices.

When our daughter was first born, we quickly realized that kids need quite a few travel items.

And packing your own food and snacks can help you avoid subpar airport meals and spending money.

Know your priorities

Sometimes convenience is worth the extra cost.

Know what’s important to you.

Before we had a child, my husband and I were much more flexible.

Now, options like getting a ride to the airport or booking a red-eye aren’t as convenient.

You may have different priorities, but there are probably conveniences you are willing to pay for.

Save where you’re free to and splurge on the things that really matter to you.