As the holiday season approaches, many of us are gearing up for travel to see family and friends. However, holiday travel can often feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to budgeting for flights. Fortunately, with some strategic planning, you can save significantly on airfare for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. Here’s your guide to booking flights at the right time to ensure you get the best deals.
Why timing is crucial for holiday travel
According to a 2024 report from Google Flights, the key to saving on holiday travel is to book your flights as early as possible. The earlier you secure your tickets, the more likely you are to find lower prices. This is especially true during peak travel times like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.
When to book your Thanksgiving flights
If you’re planning to travel for Thanksgiving, the ideal time to book your flights is in early October. This period typically offers the lowest airfare, allowing you to save between 15-20 percent compared to those who wait until later in the month. A study by NerdWallet supports this finding, emphasizing that early bookings can lead to significant savings.
By booking early, you not only save money but also gain access to a wider selection of flights, which is crucial as planes tend to fill up quickly as the holiday approaches.
Booking for Christmas and New Year’s
For those looking to travel during Christmas and New Year’s, the best strategy is to book your flights by late October. While there may still be some decent fares available into early November, securing your tickets before Halloween is essential for locking in the lowest prices. This is particularly important for international travel, where prices can skyrocket as the holidays draw near.
Additional tips for saving on holiday travel
In addition to booking at the right time, there are several other strategies you can employ to minimize your travel expenses:
- Fly on off-peak days: Consider traveling on less popular days, such as the Monday before Thanksgiving or the Wednesday after Christmas. These days often see fewer travelers, resulting in lower prices.
- Set up price alerts: Use tools like Google Flight alerts to monitor airfare prices. This way, you can act quickly when fares drop.
- Be flexible with dates and airports: Sometimes flying into a smaller airport near your destination can lead to significant savings. Additionally, being flexible with your travel dates can help you find better deals.
- Utilize airline miles and credit card points: Don’t forget to cash in on any airline miles or credit card points you’ve accumulated throughout the year. The holiday season is an excellent time to use these rewards.
Act now to secure your holiday travel
The time to book your holiday flights is now. By planning ahead and booking early — early October for Thanksgiving and late October for Christmas and New Year’s — you can enjoy a stress-free holiday season without overspending on airfare. So, get ready to open your laptop, set those alerts and start making your travel plans today. Your wallet will thank you!
