When to Book Holiday Travel This Fall: ‘The Window of Low Prices Is Brief,’ Says Economist

If you’re planning to travel during the holiday season, now is the time to start preparing. According to Hayley Berg, lead economist at Hopper, the optimal period for booking Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s travel is fast approaching, particularly in October when prices are expected to hit their lowest point.

“The most important thing is for travelers to continue to think about planning now and booking in October,” Berg advises, noting that the opportunity to secure low prices is limited but can save you significantly.

How to Get the Best Deals

• Thanksgiving Travel: Round-trip flights for Thanksgiving, set between Nov. 24 and 28, currently average $298. This is up 10% from last year and 3% from pre-pandemic times, according to Hopper’s 2024 Holiday Travel Outlook. Prices are expected to drop by around $40, reaching their lowest in early October.
• Christmas Travel: Airfare for Christmas (Dec. 21-25) currently averages $406 for a round trip, 4% higher than last year and 13% more than pre-pandemic rates. These prices will likely fall by $80 in October.

Pro Tip: If you miss the October window, mark your calendar for Dec. 3, known as Travel Tuesday. After Black Friday and Cyber Monday, many airlines, hotels, and car rental services offer significant discounts, giving last-minute travelers a chance to grab deals.

Four Key Tips to Navigate Holiday Travel

1. Avoid Peak Days: To reduce stress and save money, steer clear of the busiest travel days. For example, avoid the Sunday before and after Thanksgiving, which are often record-breaking for air travel volume.
2. Book the First Flight of the Day: Early morning flights are less likely to be delayed or canceled. According to Berg, flights after 8 a.m. are twice as likely to experience delays.
3. Allow Extra Time: If you have to be somewhere at a specific time, plan to arrive a few days early. Inclement weather and technical issues often cause a “domino effect,” where a single delay can disrupt travel for an entire airport.
4. Broaden Your Search: Consider alternative airports near your destination. While this might mean a longer drive, it could offer more affordable and reliable flight options.

By following these strategies and booking at the right time, you can avoid the holiday travel chaos and secure great deals.