It’s a simple case of supply and demand: When more of us want to fly, the price of airfare goes up, sometimes significantly. While it’s unlikely you’ll grab the cheapest fares over holiday periods, timing is everything when it comes to booking flights. With careful planning and a dose of luck, you might score some unexpected savings. Here’s what the data tells us about when you should plan to buy your holiday airfare.
When To Purchase Thanksgiving Flights
Demand for flights soars over Thanksgiving, as people make their way home to visit family or take advantage of an extra day off to grab some vacation time. According to data collected by Google Flights, domestic fares typically dip to their lowest 45 days before the holiday, on average, though you can still book a cheaper fare until around 26 days ahead. That means you need to get your plans finalized in October, preferably toward the beginning of the month. If you’re considering heading overseas, look into destinations that aren’t as popular with U.S. travelers, where the Thanksgiving price bump might be less of an issue.
Planning for a Christmas Trip
Statistics from Google Flights suggest that you’ll need to be a bit more organized if you’re planning to jet off for Christmas. Broadly speaking, the best fares are usually available 58 days before departure, but there are deals to be found between 36 and 72 days before the festive season. If you have any flexibility, play around with your dates and see if you can find a better deal. If you’re not too bothered about the day itself, then flying on Christmas Day is often a good strategy when it comes to price. Likewise, returning on New Year’s Eve when everyone else wants to celebrate might also work out better for your wallet.
Optimum Spring Break Strategy
In 2023, Scott Keyes, founder of Going, a company that helps travelers find cheap flights, said: “Most U.S. schools take spring break between early March and mid-April, which means most years you should book by January at the latest.” The data from Google Flights backs this up, stating that for domestic trips, the low price range falls between 33 and 59 days out, with the best fares available 44 days before take-off, on average. If you’re planning to visit Europe at this time, check the dates when Easter falls — in the U.K., for example, it’s a two-week school holiday that you’ll need to avoid if you’re going to find a cheap flight deal.
When To Lock in That Summer Vacation
There’s a big difference in Google Flights’ data when you compare domestic and international travel over the summer vacation period. While you should be looking to book just 13 to 43 days ahead if you’re planning to remain in the U.S., you should be timing your ticket purchase for around 94 days out if you intend to fly to Europe. Set up price alerts well ahead of time with an online search platform such as Skyscanner, Kayak, or Google Flights to ensure you stay in the loop. Seasonal sales, such as those that take place around Black Friday or in January, might also be an opportunity to find discounted peak period fares.
Other Useful Tips for Saving Money on Airfare
Travel midweek: This strategy can be a big money-saver. Expedia’s 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report said that though you’d find the lowest price, on average, by actually making your booking on a Sunday, you should plan to fly on a Thursday to get the cheapest fares. They reported that international travelers could save as much as 14% on the cost of their ticket simply by switching days. The Thursday hack won’t serve you well for Thanksgiving travels, of course. Nevertheless, for holidays where you enjoy more flexibility, such as over spring break or for a summer vacation, it could make a significant difference to your spend.
Compare alternative airports: Metasearch specialist Kayak recommends searching all airports within a 70- to 100-mile radius to be sure you’ve found the best deal. Opting for connecting rather than direct flights can also be useful, the company adds. If so, make sure you book on a single ticket (not two separate flights) to avoid unforeseen expenses if the first leg is delayed.
Be flexible with your destination: If you are able to be flexible, you might find an alternative that’s similar to your original choice of destination. For example, if you’re planning mostly to hang out and relax poolside, switching up one beach vacation spot for another isn’t likely to radically alter your experience. In a summer 2024 article, CheapOair found the most sought-after destinations for Fourth ofJuly travel from Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and New York City. Digging into this data may tell you where to skip if you’re seeking a bargain.
Travel early or late in the day: Many travelers don’t like the inconvenience of a very early flight or a late-night take-off. But in their Air Travel Hacks 2024 Report, Expedia suggested that flying before 3 p.m. might not only save you money but also reduce the chance of a delay or cancellation by as much as 50%. When there are multiple daily flights to your intended destination, capitalize on the preferences of others and avoid following suit to find the lowest fares.
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