Smart Strategies for Affordable Holiday Travel in 2024
As October rolls in, the holiday travel season is quickly approaching, bringing with it a typical increase in flight prices. However, travelers can still find great deals with the right strategy. According to Scott Keyes, founder of flight deal site Going, “Overall, flight prices coming out of summer are the lowest we’ve seen in years.” It’s essential to understand that cheap flights are often a matter of probability, with every day offering new chances for great deals.
To maximize savings on holiday flights, booking as soon as possible is crucial. A recent report from Google Flights indicates that the average price for domestic flights around Thanksgiving is lowest 45 days before departure. For this year, travelers should aim to book their flights by October 14 for the best deals.
For Christmas travel, prices are typically lowest 58 days before departure, making late October the ideal time to book. The suggested low-price booking range for Christmas is between 36 and 72 days out.
Despite the potential for savings, travelers should expect some price increases. Thanksgiving flights are averaging 10% higher compared to last year, and Christmas flights are up 4%. Yet, Hopper forecasts that prices may drop by about $40 on average in early October.
Here are some effective tips to help you score affordable holiday travel in 2024:
- Go Where Others Aren’t: Popular destinations tend to be pricier. Consider less-traveled locations like Helena, Montana, or Grand Junction, Colorado, which still have availability during the holiday season.
- Consider Alternate Airports: Flying from a nearby airport can sometimes save you significant money. For example, tickets from Newark may be much cheaper than those from Philadelphia.
- Book Two One-Way Flights: Instead of traditional round-trip tickets, explore booking two one-way flights on different airlines to uncover cheaper options.
- Adjust Travel Dates: Flexibility with travel dates can lead to substantial savings. For Thanksgiving, departing on the Monday of Thanksgiving week can save travelers about 23% on average.
- Use Points or Miles: If cash prices are high, check if you can use accumulated points or miles for economy tickets. This can provide excellent value, especially for last-minute bookings.
- Be Flexible: If your travel plans are open, let the deals dictate your destination. Using tools like Google Flights’ Explore feature can help you find the best prices to various locations.
As you prepare for your holiday travel, keep these strategies in mind. With proactive planning and a little flexibility, you can still find affordable flights and make the most of the holiday season without breaking the bank.
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