Seven mistakes travelers should avoid when booking 2024 holiday flights

Research

Tarah Chieffi Senior writer | The Points Guy

By Sky Industry News

Oct 4, 2024

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.

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For those not ready to finalize their plans, setting airfare alerts can prevent missing out on price drops. Google Flights offers a "Track prices" function that notifies users of any changes in flight costs.

Using the right credit card for bookings is crucial as well. Some cards offer rewards for travel purchases or include travel insurance benefits that cover trip cancellations or interruptions.

Travelers should also be cautious about using too many miles or points for holiday trips. Dynamic pricing models can lead to spending more points than necessary, potentially leaving travelers with fewer resources for future vacations.

Packing efficiently can help avoid extra charges during the holiday season when costs tend to rise. It's advisable to be mindful of luggage weight limits and fees associated with budget airlines' baggage policies.

Finally, making reservations that allow for changes or cancellations without penalties is essential in unpredictable times. Many airlines offer full trip credits even for nonrefundable tickets if canceled in advance, but basic economy tickets may have stricter rules.

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