When to book flights for Thanksgiving​

Thanksgiving lands on Thursday, November 27, and airfare experts say your best bet is to book your flight 24 to 59 days in advance, with the cheapest prices usually found about 35 days before travel.

That means the optimal date to book if you’re flying out on Wednesday, November 26, is October 23.

• Best day to book: October 23
• Low-price window opens: Late September

Flying on Thanksgiving Day itself can offer lower fares and less airport chaos, but if you prefer arriving early for the turkey and stuffing, aim to purchase tickets about a month before departure.

Also read: Unlock the secrets flight attendants use to master holiday travel!​

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When to book flights for Christmas​

For Christmas travel, the recommended booking window is 32 to 73 days before your trip, with the lowest average prices appearing 51 days in advance.

If you plan to travel on Saturday, December 20, the sweet spot is October 31—yes, Halloween.

• Best day to book: October 31
• Low-price window opens: October 12

If you're taking the week off for the holidays and leaving the weekend before Christmas, try to commit within that window—airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the earlier, the better.

Also read: A flight they’ll never forget: Couple speaks out after sitting next to a deceased passenger​

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General guidance for other winter holidays​

Google Flights didn’t offer specific timelines for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or other winter festivities, but here’s a general rule of thumb:

• Domestic flights: Best fares often appear around 39 days before departure
• International flights: Cheapest options tend to show up 49 days or more in advance

So whether you're heading abroad or taking a quiet seasonal break closer to home, these guidelines can help you stay ahead of holiday fare hikes.

Also read: Are you overpaying for plane tickets? Expert secrets to snag the best deals revealed!​

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Tips to stretch your travel budget further​

Booking at the right time is just part of the equation. Here are some additional tips to save on airfare:

1. Set up fare alerts​

Websites like Google Flights, Kayak, and Hopper allow you to track specific routes. When prices dip, you’ll be the first to know—giving you the chance to act fast.

2. Flex your travel dates or airport​

If possible, adjust your itinerary by a day or two. Flying midweek or from a nearby airport can sometimes lead to substantial savings.

3. Book directly with the airline​

Found a great fare through a third-party site? Check the airline's own website. Booking directly often offers better flexibility if your plans change later.

4. Watch for hidden fees​

Baggage costs, seat selection, and even carry-ons can add up. Before checking out, double-check what’s actually included in the ticket price.

5. Use points or miles early​

Holiday travel is a great opportunity to redeem rewards. Just remember—award seats get snatched up quickly, so act early.

Also read: Can you really fly unlimited for $299? Frontier’s GoWild! pass might make it possible​

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Your holiday travel checklist​

• Mark your calendar with the best booking windows
• Set fare alerts so you don’t miss sudden price drops
• Compare prices across websites and airlines before committing
• Check for fees that may affect the true cost of your ticket
• Tell us your tips—what works for you when it comes to saving on flights?

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Remember, the holidays should be a time for connection—not financial frustration.

By booking during the right window and using a few smart travel strategies, you can make your journey smoother and more affordable.

Here’s to happy holidays, safe travels, and the best seat on the plane!

Read next: The best seats to avoid motion sickness, according to flight attendants


Ever scored an incredible flight deal or learned a lesson the hard way? Have a favorite airline, search engine, or reward program trick? Drop your advice and questions in the comments below to help fellow readers have a smoother—and more affordable—holiday journey!