Book Your Holiday Flights Now for the Best Deals

As the holiday season approaches, now is the ideal time to secure your flights for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Research consistently shows that booking flights one to two months in advance is the best strategy for finding the lowest fares. With Thanksgiving just a month away and Christmas two months out, this is your chance to lock in the best prices.

Delaying your booking could lead to significant price increases as the holidays draw nearer, so consider this your prompt to start planning your travel. For Thanksgiving, aim to book flights by mid-October, and for Christmas, try to finalize your plans by Halloween. October is typically when you’ll find the cheapest airfare options.

Recent data indicates that holiday flight prices for 2025 have increased compared to last year, although the rise is not as steep as earlier predictions. It’s crucial to act now to avoid missing out on the best deals.

To find the most affordable fares, begin monitoring flight prices at least three months before your intended travel dates. If you spot a good deal, don’t hesitate to book it. While Halloween is a solid deadline for Thanksgiving flights, you may have a bit more leeway for Christmas travel.

One of the best tools available for tracking flight prices is Google Flights, which allows users to set alerts for specific destinations. This feature can help you stay informed about fare changes and promotions.

There is no definitive “best day” or time to book flights, so logging in at midnight on a Tuesday won’t guarantee savings. However, flying on certain days can lead to significant discounts. Midweek flights, particularly on Wednesdays, tend to be cheaper for both domestic and international travel. Additionally, flying on the holiday itself—such as Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Eve—can yield substantial savings.

When you book now, you may also qualify for fare credits if prices drop after your purchase, provided you avoid basic economy tickets. For this reason, it’s advisable to book standard economy fares to ensure flexibility.

Unfortunately, the latest trends in holiday airfare are not as positive as we had hoped. According to recent analysis from Points Path, domestic economy fares have risen by approximately 3.4% year over year for Thanksgiving, averaging just under $586. While business-class and premium economy fares have seen slight decreases, first-class prices have surged by 12%.

For Christmas, domestic economy flights are averaging around $639, which is slightly higher than last year’s $633. Premium cabin fares have also increased significantly, with year-over-year rises between 8% and 14%. In contrast, international coach fares have generally decreased, averaging $1,258.

Despite the overall rise in holiday fares, prices are unlikely to drop significantly in the coming weeks, making this the prime time to book your tickets.

To maximize your savings, consider these additional tips for finding affordable holiday flights:

1. Utilize Points and Miles: When cash prices are high, using your accumulated points or miles can provide excellent value, especially during peak travel times.

2. Travel on Non-Peak Days: If possible, adjust your travel dates to avoid the busiest days. Staying longer, such as returning from Christmas for a few weeks instead of a few days, can also lead to better deals.

3. Be Flexible with Flight Times: Flights departing early in the morning or late at night are often cheaper. If the savings are substantial, it might be worth waking up early for a 6 a.m. flight.

4. Set Alerts and Monitor Prices: Keep an eye on flight prices using Google Flight alerts, and make your booking before Halloween to secure the best deals.

In summary, while holiday airfare prices for 2025 are generally higher than last year, the next few weeks present the best opportunity to book your flights. Following the advice to book one to two months in advance can help you snag a great deal. If you’re considering using airline miles, it’s never too early to start checking availability and making reservations.

As always, remember that leveraging credit cards wisely can enhance your travel experiences, turning everyday spending into rewards that make your next adventure possible. Whether you’re looking for cash back or travel perks, finding the right credit card can help you achieve your travel goals.

Act now, book your holiday flights, and enjoy a stress-free travel experience this season!