Question 1

When is the best time to book Thanksgiving flights?

Accepted Answer

Book Thanksgiving flights 50-60 days in advance, ideally between September and mid-October. Avoid booking within 21 days of departure when prices spike sharply. Consider flying Thanksgiving morning and returning Tuesday after (instead of Sunday) to save significantly on airfare.

Question 2

How far in advance should I book Christmas and New Year's flights?

Accepted Answer

Book Christmas and New Year's flights in early October through early November. Prices typically spike after November 15 with few opportunities for drops. Flying December 24-25 or returning January 5+ often provides better value than peak dates.

Question 3

What are the cheapest days to fly during the holidays?

Accepted Answer

Cheapest outbound days include Thanksgiving morning, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. For returns, fly the first business day after holidays or extend stays by a week. Avoid departing 2 days before holidays and returning on Sundays, which are typically the most expensive travel days.

Question 4

Do airlines ever have sales during holiday periods?

Accepted Answer

While rare, airlines occasionally release "fare dumps" during mid-October to stimulate bookings. These typically occur late Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings, lasting 12-48 hours. Low-cost carrier sales can trigger competitive matching across legacy airlines.

Question 5

Should I use points and miles for holiday flights?

Accepted Answer

Yes, holiday periods are excellent for point redemptions when cash fares inflate. Book award flights as early as schedules open (330-360 days out) for best availability. Fixed-value programs like Turkish Miles & Smiles can offer exceptional value when cash fares surge.

Question 6

Can alternate airports save money on holiday flights?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Secondary airports often avoid the premium pricing at major hubs. Consider Long Beach vs LAX, BWI vs DCA/IAD, or Oakland vs SFO. Price differences can be substantial - sometimes $40+ savings per ticket by choosing nearby alternatives.

Question 7

What tools should I use to track holiday flight prices?

Accepted Answer

Set up price alerts using Google Flights, Capital One Travel Portal, or Kayak. Track specific routes across multiple airlines rather than focusing on one carrier. Review fare history charts to distinguish normal volatility from significant price shifts that signal buying opportunities.

Question 8

Is there still a best day of the week to book flights?

Accepted Answer

No magic booking day exists due to automated pricing systems. However, Monday through Wednesday show the most frequent price adjustments due to system fare sweeps. Focus on booking timing (60-90 days for domestic, 90-120+ for international) rather than specific weekdays.

Question 9

What's the difference between domestic and international holiday booking windows?

Accepted Answer

International holiday flights require earlier booking - typically 90-120+ days in advance, especially for Europe and Asia. Domestic flights can be booked 60-90 days out. International routes have more limited inventory and higher demand, making early booking more critical.

Question 10

How much can I realistically save with these strategies?

Accepted Answer

Savings can be substantial - hundreds of dollars per ticket when combining optimal booking timing, flexible travel dates, alternate airports, and strategic use of points. The key is booking 2-3 months out with careful attention to off-peak travel days rather than waiting until the last minute.

Advertiser disclosure

Marc Delaney

Posts by Marc Delaney