With the holiday season approaching, now is an ideal time to book flights to avoid premium prices. According to a Google Flights forecast, Thanksgiving flights should be booked by early October, and Christmas and New Year's flights by late October. However, timing is just one of several factors that can impact travel costs and experiences.
Flexibility in travel plans can lead to significant savings. "Being inflexible with travel plans keeps you from being able to take advantage of the lowest possible airfare," notes Sean Cudahy from The Points Guy. For example, changing departure or return dates and considering different airports can reduce costs significantly.
Avoiding peak travel days is another strategy to consider. The Transportation Security Administration reported record passenger volumes during past holidays, particularly on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. To save money, travelers are advised by booking app Hopper to fly on less busy days like the Monday before Thanksgiving or on Black Friday.