With the Super Bowl approaching in just a few weeks and the teams still to be determined, sports enthusiasts should start considering their travel arrangements for the event in New Orleans.

While hotel rates are currently on the rise, there are still some good airfare options available. However, should there be a rush in bookings from the respective home cities of the competing teams, prices may increase once the teams are confirmed.

If you’re planning to visit the Big Easy, here are some important points to consider. The secret to finding the best deals often lies in being flexible with your plans.

Hotel Rates

Cities hosting the Super Bowl usually see a significant increase in hotel prices around the event. However, this year in New Orleans, the costs are lower compared to last year’s Super Bowl in Las Vegas.

As reported by Hotels.com, the average nightly rate for a hotel room in New Orleans during the Super Bowl stands at approximately $650, which is less than the $747 average for the previous year’s game.

The priciest accommodations can be found close to the Superdome, the game’s venue. In the Business District, rates exceed $1,200 per night, but cheaper options are available in areas further from the city. If visitors are willing to stay in New Orleans East or the North Shore/Slidell region, which is about 30-40 minutes from downtown, they can find more affordable lodging.

Typically, Super Bowl attendees stay for two to three nights, but with various celebrations beginning as early as ten days before the event, many opt for extended stays, according to Hotels.com.

Most fans tend to book their accommodations two to three weeks ahead of the game, although some team supporters are quicker to secure their travels, influencing demand and pricing.

Flight Costs

Flights to New Orleans are still fairly priced, but a spike in bookings once the teams are decided may result in higher fares.

Once you’ve made the decision to attend, it’s wise to book your tickets promptly.

According to Expedia, the best airfare deals are typically found on Tuesdays or Wednesdays before the game for inbound flights, and the same days for outbound flights after the game in most locations.

Airlines frequently offer special flights from the home cities of the teams to the Super Bowl location to accommodate the influx of travelers.

Having flexible travel schedules could help you secure better flight prices, but make sure to consider how the savings might compare to the potential cost of an extra night at a hotel.

Overall, it’s advisable to choose early morning flights, as they are generally cheaper and less prone to delays or cancellations.

Zach Wichter is a travel journalist and the author of the Cruising Altitude column, based in New York.