For many globetrotters, booking holiday airfare can be stressful and daunting. No one enjoys paying inflated prices before spending Thanksgiving or Christmas with loved ones. With fluctuating prices, it can feel overwhelming to know when to book your flights to get the best deal.
If you’re one of those travelers dreading holiday airfare this year, don’t worry—there’s good news. With some strategic planning, timing, and insider tips, you can save money and avoid paying sky-high ticket prices.
Overview of Holiday Airfare in 2024
Due to high demand, holiday airfare tends to be more expensive than usual, but understanding the trends can make a difference. For 2024, the average price for Thanksgiving flights is $298 for a roundtrip ticket. This is slightly higher than last year and marks an increase from pre-pandemic prices.
For Christmas travel, airfare is averaging $406 per roundtrip ticket—a minor increase from last year and a significant jump from prices seen in 2019. While these numbers might seem discouraging, there’s a silver lining: ticket prices are expected to dip before they rise again closer to the holidays. The key to saving is knowing the best time to buy Christmas flights.
Best Time to Book for Thanksgiving 2024
To find cheap flights over Thanksgiving, plan to purchase your tickets by mid-October. Prices will likely drop by about $40 during the first two weeks of the month, so that’s the best time to purchase Thanksgiving flights. After mid-October, prices will rise steadily, so book early to save.
Best Time to Purchase Flights for Christmas 2024
For Christmas, tickets are currently averaging $406 for a roundtrip. However, fares are expected to drop by $80 in early October. Aim to book during the first half of October to snag cheap Christmas flights. After that, the best prices will disappear as the holidays approach.
Strategic Booking Tips: Flexibility Is Key
Flexibility is key. Traveling on less popular days can significantly cut costs. For Thanksgiving, avoid flying on peak days like the Wednesday before and Sunday after. Instead, consider departing earlier in the week or flying back on Black Friday to find cheap flights over Thanksgiving. For Christmas, traveling on Christmas Eve or Day can also help secure cheap Christmas holiday flights.
Flying out a few days earlier for Thanksgiving can make a big difference. Instead of leaving on the weekend before the holiday, try departing on Thursday, November 21st, or Monday, November 25th. You could save around $60 on your ticket. On the return leg, avoid flying back on the Sunday after Thanksgiving—this is the most expensive day for return travel. Instead, consider flying back on Monday, December 2nd, or even on Black Friday (Friday, November 29th), and you could save up to $137 on your ticket.
For Christmas travel, flying on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day is much cheaper than flying a few days before. While this may not be the most convenient option for everyone, it can save approximately $100 on your ticket. On your return trip, consider flying back on New Year’s Eve. While not everyone wants to spend their New Year’s on a plane, it’s one of the cheapest days to fly, with potential savings of $68 per ticket.
Book by Mid-October to Avoid Price Increases
Timing is everything when it comes to booking holiday flights. You could pay more than necessary if you wait too long to book your tickets. Booking your flights no later than mid-October is recommended to avoid price hikes.
After this point, airfare prices will steadily rise in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas. Until the end of September, you’ll notice some price fluctuation as airlines adjust for demand. This period is ideal for monitoring ticket prices and taking advantage of temporary dips.
Use Fare Alerts and Tools to Monitor Prices
Another way to ensure you get the best deal on holiday flights is by setting up price alerts through OneAir. These alerts notify you when prices drop, or a good deal becomes available. This can help you keep track of the fluctuating airfare without manually checking for daily updates. Some apps even allow you to see price predictions to determine whether it’s a good time to book or if you should hold off for a potential price drop.
Consider Alternate Airports and Destinations
Considering alternative airports and destinations could save you even more if you have some flexibility in your travel plans. For example, if your destination has multiple airports nearby, check the prices for flights to each one. Sometimes flying into a smaller or less popular airport can be significantly cheaper.
Similarly, you might find better deals in international locations if you’re open to changing your destination. Currently, flights to Mexico and Central America are relatively low, averaging $464 per roundtrip ticket, and airfare to Europe has also decreased compared to last year.
Other Money-Saving Tips
- Use Points and Miles: If you’ve accumulated frequent flyer miles or credit card points, holiday travel is the perfect time to cash them in. Many airlines offer special promotions for award travel during the holidays, allowing you to save even more.
- Book Connecting Flights: Direct flights are more convenient but often come with a higher price tag, especially during the holidays. If you’re willing to deal with a layover, booking a connecting flight could help you save money.
- Travel Light: Many airlines charge extra fees for checked baggage, especially during peak travel times. To avoid these fees, pack light and bring only a carry-on if possible. This will save you money and speed up your travel experience.
For the best savings on Thanksgiving flights or Christmas flights, book by mid-October, monitor fare changes and be flexible with your travel dates. This will help you avoid last-minute price hikes and secure affordable holiday travel.
Sign up on OneAir today. OneAir is your go-to platform for finding the best flight deals. Our platform offers personalized fare alerts, exclusive discounts, and helpful travel tips to ensure affordable and hassle-free trips. Whether booking a holiday getaway or planning future travel, OneAir provides tools to help you save on every journey.
