As travelers prepare for the upcoming holiday season, Google Flights has released valuable insights on the best days to book affordable flights for major holidays. The study not only provides booking windows for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and spring break but also highlights the top-searched destinations for each holiday period.
Thanksgiving is a popular time for travel, with many people looking to spend time with family and friends. According to Google Flights, booking 45 days in advance is the ideal time to secure affordable flights for Thanksgiving. This year, that falls on October 14. However, cheap flights can still be found between 26 and 59 days before departure. The most searched destinations for Thanksgiving include Orlando, Cancun, New York, Tokyo, and London, with other popular choices being Miami, Paris, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Honolulu.
When it comes to Christmas travel, Google Flights recommends booking on October 28, 58 days ahead of December 25. The best deals for Christmas flights can typically be found between 36 and 72 days before the holiday. Top holiday destinations for Christmas and New Year’s Eve include Tokyo, Orlando, Cancun, Miami, and New York, followed by London, San Juan, Honolulu, Paris, and Las Vegas.
For those planning a spring break getaway, Google Flights suggests booking 44 days in advance, with an optimal booking window between 33 and 59 days prior to departure. Travelers heading to Europe should aim to book 94 days ahead for the best deals, while trips to Mexico and the Caribbean should be booked 44 days before departure, with savings opportunities between 26 and 68 days prior.
In addition to these specific booking recommendations, Google Flights also offers some general money-saving tips for booking flights. While Tuesday has traditionally been considered the cheapest day to book flights, the difference is only 1.3% compared to Sunday. However, flights on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are typically around 13% cheaper than weekend flights. For domestic travel, travelers could save up to 20% by choosing the right day to fly. Additionally, flights with layovers are often more budget-friendly than nonstop flights, which can be 25% more expensive on average.
These recommendations from Google Flights are based on years of analyzing flight data, helping travelers navigate post-pandemic price surges and plan their holiday travel more effectively. By following these tips and booking at the recommended times, travelers can save money and enjoy a stress-free holiday season.