Terry Ward
Updated on: October 12, 2024 4:19 am GMT
As travelers gear up for the holiday season, finding affordable flights may feel like a daunting task. However, insights from Google Flights indicate that October is the ideal month to snag the best deals for Thanksgiving and Christmas trips. With strategic timing, travelers can save significantly on airfare this season.
Best Days to Fly and Book
Google Flights’ recent analysis reveals key trends for booking flights:
- Cheapest Days to Fly:
– Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are the best days to fly, with Tuesday being the most affordable.
– Travelers can save 13 to 20% compared to flying on weekends.
- Cost of Booking:
– There’s minimal difference in ticket prices based on what day you book, though historical data suggests booking on a Tuesday could yield slightly lower costs.
When to Book Flights for Holidays
Timing is essential when booking flights for holiday travel. Here are the recommended time frames:
- Thanksgiving Travel:
– Book flights 26 to 59 days in advance, ideally around 45 days out, which lands in early October.
- Christmas Travel:
– Secure tickets between 36 to 72 days prior, with around 58 days ahead being the sweet spot, making late October the optimal time to book.
International Travel Insights
Airfare patterns differ for international flights:
- To Europe: Book at least 50 days in advance, with an average best booking time around 94 days before departure.
- To Mexico and the Caribbean: The best prices appear between 26 and 68 days prior; 44 days out is often the cheapest.
Popular Destinations for Holiday Travel
Travelers are already searching for top destinations. Here’s what’s trending:
- Thanksgiving:
– Popular spots include Orlando, Cancun, New York, and London.
- Christmas and New Year’s:
– Top searches feature Tokyo, Miami, and additional popular holiday locations.
Advice for Last-Minute Travelers
If October slips by without securing flights, there is still hope. The day known as Travel Tuesday occurs the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, offering further deals. This year, it falls on December 3, potentially rewarding those who need to book last-minute.
Final Tips for Booking
- Monitor flight prices early.
- Be ready to book as soon as the sweet spots arrive.
- Act swiftly to avoid price hikes as holidays approach.
As the holiday travel season gets closer, it’s important to know when to book your flights. If you pay attention to the best times to buy your tickets, you could save a lot of money on airfare. This way, you might be able to enjoy the holiday trip you’ve always wanted!
