Quantcast

Seven mistakes travelers should avoid when booking 2024 holiday flights

US court blocks Biden administration's airline fee disclosure rule
JetBlue Issues Dim Outlook But Execs Remain Confident in Turnaround Plan
These Frequent Fliers Are Done With Loyalty Programs
JetBlue accepting Venmo as payment method for flights purchased through mobile app
United Airlines stock rallies on results, as growing demand wasn’t just about premium seats
Delta Adds Another Alaska Route
Southwest to Reduce Pilot Head Count at Several Bases
Dublin Airport savings boost for holidaymakers – but passengers need to be quick
American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
Shanghai Airlines to Launch Casablanca Route
Delta employees to receive an average five weeks of pay in annual profit sharing
Akasa Air faces DGCA heat for lapses; warning letter issued to airline's accountable manager
Indigo Eyes European Market Amid Intensifying Competition with Air India
Air India to operate daily Delhi-Prayagraj flights for Maha Kumbh
Engine maker agrees to compensate WizzAir for grounded planes
Turkish Airlines’ flights are riddled with bedbugs, passengers say
British Airways frequent flyers react to Executive Club changes
Inside the short-lived, men-only flights where kids and women were banned but cigar and pipe smoking were rife
China steps up drive to break Boeing, Airbus grip on plane market
Heathrow’s New York service clings to spot in top aviation routes
Airline praises pilots in crash-landing where both died but nearly half the passengers survived
Mexico state airline to buy five Embraer planes next year
A record number of people are expected to fly over the holidays. That's good for travel stocks, but not for passengers.
American Airlines technical issue sparks travel chaos on Christmas Eve as flights heavily delayed after being grounded
Why United Airlines has had such a stellar year despite being Boeing's biggest customer
JetBlue nixing routes between multiple major cities, reducing several others
Airline Stocks Led The Travel Industry's Record 2024 Rally. Here's What's Next.
It’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel
Qatar Airways cleans up at the World Travel Awards
All of the strikes at European airports this winter – find out if you are affected
Seven mistakes travelers should avoid when booking 2024 holiday flights
Research
Webp n1qx7d1fpm4lan1kb1v40dkq0dhw
Tarah Chieffi Senior writer | The Points Guy

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.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

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.

###

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Emirates Airline hosted members of UAE Team Emirates XRG at its Group Headquarters, marking the team's successful season in international cycling.

Oct 28, 2025

Amazon has announced that its KSBD Air Hub in San Bernardino recognized its September High Flyers for their outstanding commitment to the company's 16 Leadership Principles.

Oct 28, 2025

Amazon announced that employees at its KSBD Air Hub in San Bernardino participated in the 2025 Pink on Parade for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Oct 28, 2025

The ShebaMiles loyalty program, operated by Ethiopian Airlines for over 26 years, has more than 5.38 million members and offers four membership tiers: Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

Oct 28, 2025

Long Beach Airport has entered into a 30-year lease agreement with JetZero, Inc., a company focused on next-generation aircraft design.

Oct 28, 2025

Passengers planning summer travel for 2026 can now book flights with Lufthansa Group Airlines, which has released its schedule featuring new destinations and increased frequencies.

Oct 28, 2025