Booking flights during the holiday season can be a strategic balancing act. Prices tend to skyrocket, especially around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year, but there are a few key times and strategies that can help you find better deals.

1. Book 1-3 Months in Advance

Experts suggest booking holiday flights about 1 to 3 months prior to the travel date. For Thanksgiving, mid-September to mid-October is often ideal. For Christmas and New Year’s, aim for late September to early November. Waiting until the last minute during the holiday season can lead to high prices as demand increases.

2. Be Mindful of High- and Low-Demand Days

Generally, prices spike the most on peak travel days: the day before Thanksgiving and the weekend after, as well as a few days before and after Christmas and New Year’s Day. For Thanksgiving, consider flying out on the Monday or Tuesday before the holiday and returning on Friday or early the following week. For Christmas, it can be cheaper to travel on the holiday itself or a few days earlier to avoid the surge.

3. Use Price Alerts and Comparison Tools

Setting price alerts on platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Hopper can help you track fare changes in real time. These tools allow you to enter your travel dates and receive notifications when prices drop or rise, helping you book at the optimal moment.

4. Consider Flying on Off-Peak Days

Flexible travel dates can save a lot. Traveling on the holiday itself, like Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day, can often result in lower fares. Alternatively, consider staying a few days past New Year’s to skip the busiest return days and potentially secure lower prices.

5. Act Quickly on Deals

When you see a great deal, book it! Fare prices fluctuate frequently during the holiday season, and a delay could mean the difference between a budget-friendly and a costly ticket.

Bottom Line

Booking early, being flexible with travel dates, and using technology to track prices are your best strategies to snag affordable holiday flights. By planning early and keeping an eye on trends, you can save money and reduce holiday travel stress.