Timing is crucial when booking holiday travel and knowing when to book holiday flights to save can save a bundle. While there’s no guaranteed formula, following certain guidelines can help you save money and reduce stress.

Book early, but not too early

For holiday travel, it’s advisable to book 2-3 months in advance–so that means soon. This applies particularly to Thanksgiving and Christmas, which are among the busiest travel periods. Waiting until the last minute often results in higher prices and limited options. However, booking too far in advance (like 6 months or more) isn’t always beneficial, as airlines haven’t yet released their best deals.

Be flexible with dates

It’s hard to know when to book holiday flights exactly but a good way to save is with flexibility. If possible, try to fly on less popular days. For Thanksgiving, flying on the Monday or Tuesday before the holiday, or on Thanksgiving Day itself, can be cheaper than flying on Wednesday. For Christmas and New Year’s, prices often drop for flights on the actual holidays.

Use price comparison tools

Websites and apps like Skyscanner and Google Flights allow you to compare prices across different airlines and dates. Some of these tools also offer price prediction features, suggesting whether to book now or wait for potentially better deals.

Consider alternative airports

Flying into or out of a nearby, less busy airport can sometimes yield significant savings. For example, if you’re traveling to New York City, consider flights to Newark or JFK instead of LaGuardia, or vice versa.

Set price alerts

Many travel websites and apps allow you to set up alerts for specific routes. This way, you’ll be notified when prices drop, allowing you to book at the right time.

Be aware of blackout dates

Airlines often have blackout dates around holidays when loyalty programs and certain discounts don’t apply. Be sure to check these if you’re planning to use miles or points.

Consider package deals

Sometimes, booking your flight and hotel together can result in savings compared to booking them separately.

Look for off-peak times

If your schedule allows, consider traveling during off-peak times. For example, the first flight of the day or red-eye flights are often cheaper.

Don’t forget about hidden fees

When comparing prices, factor in additional costs like baggage fees, seat selection, and in-flight meals. A slightly more expensive ticket might actually be cheaper overall if it includes these amenities.

Keep an eye on sales

Airlines occasionally offer flash sales or special promotions. Following airlines on social media or subscribing to their newsletters can help you catch these deals. If you do wait until the last minute, keep an eye out for early Black Friday deals that can sometimes offer savings on travel around Christmas. Most likely if your travel schedule is flexible.

When to Book Holiday Flights

Remember, while these tips can help guide your booking strategy, airline pricing is complex and can change rapidly. The key is to start your search early, stay flexible, and be ready to book when you find a good deal that fits your needs.

Need help planning your holiday travel? Contact me for expert travel planning advice.