Demand for seats during the holiday season will be strong, said Dean Headley, a marketing professor at Wichita State.

Headley, co-author for the annual Airline Quality Rating, presented his findings Thursday during a live stream with several national media outlets at the Media Resources Center on campus.

Higher ticket prices and higher demand for seats means travelers should book flights early, Headley suggested.

“December and January typically have the worst on-time arrival percentage and mishandled he said. “The best bet for the consumer is to travel as early before the actual holiday or as late as possible afterward, and always leave room for schedule changes.”

Delta is the best overall performer in terms of timeliness and baggage handling during the holiday months, he said. Waiting until last minute in hopes of finding lower airfares is not your best bet, he said, and Tuesdays and Wednesdays are better days to depart rather than on weekends or Mondays.

“It can be fun,” Headley said. “It’s not always depressing … The airlines are trying.”