Best Time to Book Holiday Flights: October Tips
As the holiday season approaches, travelers planning to fly for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s should mark their calendars for October bookings. According to Hayley Berg, lead economist at travel site Hopper, October is the ideal time to secure the best flight deals for the festive season. Missing this window could mean higher prices and limited availability, making early planning essential for a stress-free holiday journey.
Hayley Berg emphasizes the importance of booking flights in October, stating, “The most important thing is for travelers to continue to think about planning now and booking in October. That window of low prices is brief, but it can really pay off.” Booking early not only ensures better prices but also a wider selection of flights, allowing travelers to choose the most convenient times and routes for their holiday trips.
For those who miss the October booking window, Berg suggests keeping an eye on December 3, known as Travel Tuesday. This day, falling after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, is when the travel industry offers significant discounts. “Pretty much the whole travel industry goes on sale,” Berg notes, making Travel Tuesday a valuable opportunity for last-minute bookings. Deals on flights, hotels, and rental cars are common, providing a second chance for travelers to find affordable options.
However, traveling during the holiday season can come with its challenges. Sally French, a travel expert at NerdWallet, advises that the holidays are a difficult time to travel due to tougher weather conditions and larger crowds. “The holidays are a difficult time to travel because not only are you dealing with what’s likely to be tougher holiday weather, but also working with bigger crowds,” French explains. To navigate these challenges, it’s crucial to plan ahead and be prepared for potential disruptions.
Hopper’s 2024 Holiday Travel Outlook report highlights that current flight prices for Thanksgiving and Christmas are slightly higher compared to last year. Thanksgiving round-trip flights, departing from November 24 to 28, average around $298, a 10% increase from the previous year and 3% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Similarly, Christmas round-trip flights average $406, up 4% from last year and 13% from pre-pandemic prices. Despite these increases, prices are expected to drop by $40 for Thanksgiving and $80 for Christmas flights by early October, aligning with 2023 levels.
To maximize savings and ensure a smooth travel experience, Berg recommends booking early. “It’s really important for travelers to be thinking about booking their travel now, so that when October rolls around, they’re ready,” she advises. For last-minute travelers, Travel Tuesday on December 3 offers a chance to find discounted rates, although availability may be limited.
Travel experts also provide tips to avoid common holiday travel issues. Avoiding peak travel days, such as the Sundays before and after Thanksgiving, can reduce the likelihood of delays and overcrowded airports. Booking the first flight of the day minimizes the risk of being affected by delays later in the day. Additionally, allowing extra time for travel and considering alternative airports can help mitigate potential disruptions.
French suggests, “If it’s really important that you’re there for actual Christmas dinner, fly in a few days early,” to ensure timely arrival. Broadening your search to include nearby airports can also uncover more affordable and convenient options, even if it means a longer drive to your final destination.
In summary, booking holiday flights in October is the best strategy for securing low prices and ample flight options. For those who miss this window, Travel Tuesday on December 3 presents a valuable opportunity to find discounted travel deals. By planning ahead and following expert advice, travelers can navigate the complexities of holiday travel and enjoy a memorable and stress-free holiday season.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, cnbc.com