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, knowing when to book your flights for the best deal can be overwhelming.
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 is typically 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 an average of $406 per roundtrip ticket—a minor increase from last year and a significant jump from 2019. While these numbers might seem discouraging, there’s a silver lining: ticket prices are expected to dip before rising 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, aim to purchase your tickets by mid-October. Prices will likely drop by about $40 during the first two weeks of the month, making it the best time to purchase Thanksgiving flights. After mid-October, prices will steadily increase, so booking early is key to saving.
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. Plan to book during the first half of October to secure cheap Christmas flights. After that, prices will climb as the holidays get closer.
Strategic Booking Tips: Flexibility Is Key
Flexibility is crucial when booking holiday flights. Traveling on less popular days can significantly reduce costs. For Thanksgiving, avoid peak days like the Wednesday before and Sunday after the holiday. Instead, consider departing earlier in the week or flying back on Black Friday to snag cheaper flights. 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. This could save you around $60 on your ticket. For the return leg, avoid flying back on Sunday, December 1st, the most expensive day for return travel. Flying back on Monday, December 2nd, or even on Black Friday (Friday, November 29th), could save you up to $137.
For Christmas travel, flying on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day is much cheaper than flying a few days earlier. While not the most convenient option, it could save you approximately $100. On your return trip, consider flying back on New Year’s Eve. Though spending New Year’s on a plane might not be ideal, 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 booking holiday flights. If you wait too long, you could pay more than necessary. To avoid significant price hikes, it’s recommended that you book your flights by mid-October.
After mid-October, airfare will steadily rise in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas. Until the end of September, you may notice some price fluctuations 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 to set up price alerts through OneAir. These alerts notify you when prices drop or a good deal becomes available, helping you track fluctuating airfare without checking daily. Some apps even offer price predictions, allowing you to decide whether it’s a good time to book or wait for a potential price drop.
Consider Alternate Airports and Destinations
Considering alternative airports and destinations can save you even more if you’re flexible with your travel plans. If your destination has multiple nearby airports, compare the prices for flights to each one. Flying into a smaller or less popular airport can sometimes 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 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.
Final Thoughts
For the best savings on Thanksgiving flights or Christmas flights, book by mid-October, monitor fare changes and stay flexible with your travel dates. This will help you avoid last-minute price hikes and secure affordable holiday travel.
Sign up on OneAir today, your go-to platform for finding the best flight deals. OneAir offers personalized fare alerts, exclusive discounts, and helpful travel tips to ensure budget-friendly and hassle-free trips. Whether booking a holiday getaway or planning future travel, OneAir can help you save on every journey.
