By Meghan Coyle | NerdWallet
If your swimsuit is still drying from your last trip or you’re packing for a Labor Day getaway, traveling for Thanksgiving or the winter holidays probably isn’t top of mind. After all, it’s not even September.
However, the surge in air travel this year has changed the game. Last-minute holiday travel deals, which were common last year, are no longer the norm.
According to the latest data from Google Flights, the lowest average prices for flights around Christmas are available approximately 71 days before departure. This is a significant shift from last year when the lowest prices were available just 22 days before departure.
To secure the best deals on end-of-December flights, it is recommended to book by mid-October. For Thanksgiving flights, you only have a few weeks left to secure the most affordable options, with mid-September being the optimal time to book.
Waiting too long to book your Thanksgiving flights can result in higher prices, inconvenient layovers, or limited seat options.
Here are some tips to save on holiday travel this year:
Start tracking prices
Despite popular beliefs about booking on specific days or times, there are no magical hacks for getting cheap flights. Flight prices are determined by travel demand, and during the holidays, demand is always high.
Fortunately, you don’t have to spend hours analyzing demand data. Simply turn on price tracking on your preferred booking platform to receive automatic email notifications when the flight you want decreases in price. Search engines and online travel agencies have insights into average costs for specific routes and will alert you when it’s the best time to book.
Book early for European travel
If you’re planning to travel to Europe for the holidays, it’s advisable not to wait too long to book. Europe travel has returned to pre-pandemic levels, with millions of people already departing for the continent this year.
According to data from Google Flights, the cheapest average prices for trans-Atlantic flights to Europe are available 72 days or more before departure. As the departure date approaches, airfares tend to increase.
Consider booking with an international budget airline, as they can offer significant savings compared to legacy carriers. Traveling to Europe during Thanksgiving instead of Christmas or New Year’s can also help you secure better deals, as there is typically less demand for international travel during the U.S. holiday.
Be flexible on your travel days
Being open to less-than-ideal flight options can save you money during the holiday season. If you find yourself outside of the optimal booking window, consider extending your trip to avoid flying on the busiest days around Thanksgiving or Christmas. Additionally, check prices at nearby airports for potential cost savings.
Remember, as soon as Halloween decorations start appearing in stores, flight prices for November and December will only continue to rise.
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Meghan Coyle writes for NerdWallet. Email: [email protected]. Twitter: @inkwaves.
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