Travelers planning holiday trips for late 2024 and early 2025 should book flights well in advance to secure lower prices, according to new data from Google. This advice comes as many Americans finalize their plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas travel periods.
Key Takeaways
- Booking Thanksgiving flights 35 days out offers the lowest prices.
- Christmas flights are cheapest when booked 51 days before departure.
- International travel requires even earlier booking, at least 49 days in advance.
- Tuesday is typically the cheapest day to book flights; Sunday is the most expensive.
- Columbia, South Carolina, is a top Thanksgiving destination.
- Warm locations like Rio de Janeiro and St. Lucia are trending for Christmas.
Early Booking Critical for Holiday Travel Savings
Google's 2025 holiday travel data highlights the importance of booking flights early. This strategy can help travelers avoid higher costs as departure dates approach. The data provides specific windows for securing the best deals on both domestic and international flights.
For the Thanksgiving holiday, travelers can find the lowest prices by booking approximately 35 days before their departure date. The "low-price range" for Thanksgiving flights spans 24 to 59 days before travel. This means that for flights right before or after Thanksgiving, October is often the best month to book.
Travel Statistics
- 79.9 million Americans traveled at least 50 miles for Thanksgiving 2024.
- 119.3 million people traveled during the Christmas 2024 period.
- Average domestic round-trip flight price for Q1 2025 was $397, a slight decrease of 0.4% from the previous year.
Christmas and International Flight Booking Windows
For Christmas travel, the optimal booking time is even earlier. Google's data indicates that the lowest prices for Christmas flights are typically found 51 days before the travel date. The broader low-price window for Christmas extends from 32 to 73 days before departure. This suggests that booking between mid-October and mid-November is ideal for Christmas trips.
International travel requires even more foresight. For flights outside the U.S., Google recommends booking at least 49 days prior to departure. This longer lead time helps secure better rates for longer journeys.
"If you want to fly right before or after Thanksgiving, you’ll probably find the cheapest options in October," the Google report states.
Best Days to Book Flights and Trending Destinations
Beyond how far in advance to book, Google's data also identifies the cheapest and most expensive days of the week for purchasing flights. Travelers should consider these patterns to maximize their savings.
According to Google, Tuesday is the cheapest day to book flights. Conversely, Sunday is the most expensive day. Adjusting booking plans to a Tuesday can lead to noticeable cost reductions, especially for multiple tickets or longer trips.
Understanding Holiday Travel Trends
Holiday travel periods, like Thanksgiving and Christmas, consistently see high demand. This demand often leads to increased prices as departure dates get closer. Google's annual travel data helps consumers understand these patterns and make informed decisions to save money and find popular destinations.
Popular Destinations for 2025 Holidays
Google's analysis also reveals trending destinations for the upcoming holidays. For Thanksgiving, Columbia, South Carolina, stands out as the most popular travel spot. This indicates a preference for domestic travel during the autumn holiday.
For Christmas, warmer climates are gaining popularity. The top trending international destinations for 2025 are Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and St. Lucia. This trend suggests that many travelers are seeking escapes from colder temperatures during the winter holiday season.
- Thanksgiving Top Destination: Columbia, South Carolina
- Christmas Trending International Destinations: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; St. Lucia
The shift towards warm-weather destinations for Christmas is a notable trend. "It’s no surprise that with colder temperatures on the horizon for many parts of the U.S., travelers are opting for palm trees over fir trees," the Google report noted. This preference for sunnier locales reflects a common desire among travelers during the winter months.
Domestic Flight Prices Remain Stable
Despite the fluctuations in holiday booking costs, the overall average price for domestic round-trip flights in the first quarter of 2025 has remained relatively stable. Data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics shows a minor change from the previous year.
The average domestic round-trip flight price for the first quarter of 2025 was $397. This figure represents a slight decrease of 0.4% compared to the same period last year. This stability in overall prices suggests that while specific holiday periods require careful planning, general domestic airfare has not seen significant increases.
Travelers are encouraged to use these insights to plan their 2025 holiday trips efficiently. Booking early, choosing the right day to purchase tickets, and being aware of trending destinations can help manage travel budgets effectively.
