As the holiday season approaches, many travelers are asking if it is too late to book flights for Thanksgiving and Christmas. These periods are among the busiest for air travel, leading to high demand and increased prices. Understanding the optimal booking windows and strategies can help secure more affordable fares, even as deadlines draw near.
Key Takeaways
- Thanksgiving booking window likely passed, but Christmas flights may still be available at fair prices.
- Flexibility with travel dates and airports can lead to significant savings.
- Setting fare alerts is crucial for tracking price changes.
- Understanding historical pricing helps identify good deals.
Understanding Holiday Booking Windows
Booking flights for peak holiday travel differs from regular domestic travel. Experts advise different timelines to find the best deals. For standard domestic flights, the ideal booking period is typically one to three months in advance.
However, this changes significantly for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. During these high-demand times, the recommended booking window extends. Travelers should aim to book much earlier to secure competitive prices.
Scott Keyes, founder and chief flight expert at Going, stated to CNBC that for peak season travel, booking three to seven months in advance is generally best.
Based on this advice, the prime booking window for Thanksgiving has likely closed. Yet, for Christmas travel, there might still be an opportunity to find reasonable fares, provided travelers act quickly.
Fact: Airfare Volatility
Airfares are not fixed. Prices can change rapidly based on factors like supply, demand, and airline algorithms. This means a good deal seen today might be gone tomorrow.
Expert Opinions on Booking Timelines
While some experts suggest earlier booking, others offer a slightly different perspective. James Byers, a Google Flights team leader and group product manager for Google Search, provided insights to ABC News. According to Byers, Thanksgiving flight fares often hit their lowest point in October.
For Christmas travel, the most affordable booking period typically falls between mid-October and mid-November. This suggests that travelers still have a window to find deals, especially for Christmas flights.
Context: Why Holiday Travel is Different
Holiday travel sees a massive surge in passenger numbers. This increased demand directly impacts ticket prices and reduces the availability of seats. Airlines adjust pricing to reflect this market behavior, making early booking or strategic timing essential.
Strategies for Finding Lower Fares
Even if the ideal booking window has passed, several strategies can help travelers find more affordable flights. Flexibility is a key factor in reducing travel costs, especially during busy holiday periods.
Be Flexible with Dates and Airports
Travelers who can adjust their plans often find better prices. For instance, flying on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day itself can sometimes result in significant savings. While this may not be ideal for everyone, it is an option to consider.
Beyond specific dates, checking alternative airports can also yield lower fares. For travelers departing from large metropolitan areas, multiple airports might be an option. For example, in the Los Angeles area, flights from Burbank, Long Beach, Santa Ana, or Ontario airports can often be cheaper than those from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Adjusting the return date can also impact costs. Flying home on a Saturday instead of a Sunday, for example, can often save money on airfare. Exploring these flexible options through flight search engines is a practical step.
Utilizing Technology and Market Knowledge
Modern travel tools and an understanding of historical pricing trends can empower travelers to make informed decisions and secure better deals.
Set Up Fare Alerts
Once specific travel dates and destinations are chosen, setting up fare alerts is a crucial next step. Many popular airfare tracking websites, such as Kayak, Skyscanner, and Google Flights, offer this feature. Travelers can receive email notifications when prices change for their selected routes.
These alerts can also be configured for nearby dates or alternative airports, providing even more options. However, during peak holiday seasons, travelers must be prepared to act quickly if a price drop occurs, as these lower fares may not last long.
Understand What a Good Fare Is
Identifying a good price is essential for booking holiday flights. Without this knowledge, it is hard to know when to commit to a purchase. For example, knowing if a $500 roundtrip flight from Los Angeles to Miami during Christmas is a good deal requires context.
Flight search engines often provide this context. Google Flights, for instance, typically indicates whether a specific flight price is high or low compared to historical trends for that route. This information can be very valuable in decision-making.
Personal experience also plays a role. If a traveler flies the same route every year, keeping track of past prices can help. If a route usually costs $400 roundtrip but a $300 fare appears, it is likely a good time to book.
Following Seasonal Patterns for Travel Savings
Finding the best flight prices involves a mix of observation and timing. While airlines can adjust prices at any moment, they generally adhere to seasonal patterns and specific pricing windows. Learning these trends can significantly improve the chances of securing affordable holiday travel.
By monitoring price changes, being flexible with travel plans, and using available online tools, travelers can navigate the complexities of holiday airfare. This approach helps ensure they get the most value for their money during the busiest travel times of the year.
