Unlocking Holiday Travel: When to Book Flights for the Best Deals

As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to start planning your travel. Securing affordable airfare can be a challenge during peak travel times, but with the right strategies, you can score great deals. Understanding when to book your flights is key to maximizing your savings, especially during busy periods like the holidays, spring break, and summer vacations.

Timing is Everything

Historically, the best time to find low prices for holiday airfare is just around the corner. Experts recommend starting your flight search now, setting up alerts on platforms like Google Flights, and being ready to book when you find a good deal. Monitoring prices three months prior to your intended travel dates is a solid strategy, but don’t hesitate to act if you come across a great fare earlier.

For domestic flights, it’s generally advisable to book one to two months in advance, while international trips should be booked three to five months ahead. As we approach the holiday season, the window for securing the best fares is narrowing, so aim to have your travel plans finalized by Halloween. Although you may have a bit of leeway for Christmas bookings, the earlier you can lock in your travel, the better.

Current Trends in Airfare

Recent analyses indicate that holiday fares are currently higher than in previous years, suggesting that if you’re booking right now, you might not be getting the best deal. However, it’s anticipated that prices will drop significantly in the coming weeks. Therefore, early to late October is the ideal time to make your reservations.

Using Google Flights can enhance your search experience. For instance, if you’re considering a trip to California for Christmas, you might find a round-trip flight from New York City to San Francisco for around $347 on Sun Country Airlines or $513 on JetBlue for nonstop service. Setting alerts for your desired routes can help you stay informed about price changes.

Debunking Myths About Booking Days

A common misconception is that certain days of the week are better for booking flights. Research shows there’s no specific day that guarantees lower prices. Instead, the best booking windows generally fall one to three months out for domestic flights and three to five months for international travel.

Experts like Lindsay Schwimer from the booking app Hopper emphasize that planning ahead is crucial for international trips. Many travelers either book too far in advance or wait until the last minute, which can lead to significantly higher fares.

Midweek Travel: Your Secret Weapon

While there’s no magic day to book, midweek travel tends to be cheaper than weekend flights. According to a recent Google report, traveling on Mondays through Wednesdays can save you about 13% compared to weekend fares. In fact, flying midweek during peak times like the holidays can save you even more—upwards of $100 per ticket.

Booking the first flight of the day is another way to save money and avoid delays. Although it might be challenging to rise early, knowing you’re saving money can make it worthwhile.

Tools for Tracking Prices

Utilizing price monitoring tools can be beneficial in finding the best fares. Google Flights’ “Track prices” feature and Hopper’s “Watch This Trip” option allow you to receive notifications when prices drop for your desired routes.

For Thanksgiving travel, aim to book flights in early to mid-October, and for Christmas, try to finalize your plans by Halloween. Google suggests that the best prices for Christmas flights are typically found 32 to 73 days before the holiday.

Keeping an Eye on Price Trends

Even after booking, it’s wise to continue monitoring prices. If you notice a drop, some airlines offer credits for the price difference. For New Year’s Eve travel, booking by Halloween is ideal, but you may still find deals through mid-November.

For spring break trips in March, the best time to book domestic flights is early February, while international travelers should consider locking in plans before the holiday season. As demand surges during spring break, waiting too long can lead to higher fares.

Planning for Summer Travel

When it comes to summer vacations, especially in popular destinations like Europe, start monitoring flights in February and aim to book three to five months in advance. For long-haul flights to Asia or Oceania, consider booking five to seven months prior to your departure.

While hotel bookings can often be made later without significant price increases, popular destinations may not offer last-minute discounts. Using hotel points can be advantageous, as some hotels release award availability close to the travel date.

Final Thoughts

In summary, while there’s no perfect formula for booking the cheapest airfare, flying midweek and booking in advance can significantly reduce your travel costs. For domestic flights, aim to book one to two months ahead, and for international flights, three to five months is ideal.

Don’t forget to leverage tools like Google Flights to track prices and set alerts. The holiday season is a busy time for travel, but with careful planning and timely bookings, you can enjoy a stress-free and budget-friendly holiday getaway.