When to Book Holiday Flights in 2026
Planning to fly home for Thanksgiving or visit family for Christmas? Now is the time to check airfare prices, book holiday flights, and plan your trip.
Holiday flights can get expensive fast. The good news is that smart planning can save you money and keep you from last-minute stress.
According to Google’s latest flight data, Thanksgiving and Christmas have different booking windows. Knowing these trends can help you decide when to buy your tickets.
When Should You Book Thanksgiving Flights in 2026?
If you’re flying for Thanksgiving, October is an important month for finding airfare deals.
Google analyzed five years of flight data to identify when holiday ticket prices tend to be lowest. For Thanksgiving, average prices reached their lowest point about 34 days before departure.
The broader window for lower fares runs from three weeks to two months before your flight.
That means travelers should shop early and compare prices throughout October. If you find a fare that fits your budget, consider booking instead of waiting for a perfect deal.
When Should You Book Christmas Flights in 2026?
Christmas travelers generally need to plan a little further ahead.
Google’s data shows that Christmas flight prices tend to be lowest about 56 days before departure. The lower-price window falls between 33 and 67 days before your flight.
For many travelers, that means shopping in late October and early November. October 23 is supposed to be the sweet spot, so start planning!
Waiting until December can leave you with fewer flight choices and higher prices. Booking early also gives you more time to find convenient departure times and routes.
5 Ways to Save Money When You Book Holiday Flights
You don’t need to be a travel expert to find better airfare. A few simple changes can make a real difference in your holiday travel budget.
1. Compare Flight Prices Before You Book Holiday Flights
Start by checking Google Flights for your preferred route and travel dates. Compare available fares to see whether prices are low, typical, or high.
You can also turn on price tracking alerts. These alerts help you watch for price changes without checking fares every day.
Remember that past pricing trends are not guarantees. A good fare today may be better than a possible deal later.
2. Fly on Less Popular Travel Days
Your travel dates can have a big impact on ticket prices.
Many travelers leave just before a holiday and return during the busiest travel days. This creates higher demand for certain flights.
If your schedule allows, compare flights departing earlier in the week. Consider returning on a Tuesday or Wednesday instead of Sunday.
Google’s data suggests that weekday trips can cost less than weekend travel. Even shifting your plans by one day may help you save.
3. Consider Connecting Flights When You Book Holiday Flights
Nonstop flights are convenient, but they often cost more.
Google’s analysis found that nonstop flights averaged about 20% more than flights with connections. If saving money is your priority, compare both options.
Just remember to consider the total travel time. A very long layover may not be worth a small price difference.
4. Check Nearby Airports
Your closest airport may not offer the cheapest flight.
Look at nearby airports if you can reach them without spending too much on gas, parking, or transportation. A different departure airport could offer better fares or more convenient schedules.
Compare the total trip cost before making your decision. Saving money on airfare won’t help if getting to the airport costs much more.
5. Use Travel Rewards Wisely
Airline miles and credit card points can help reduce your holiday travel costs.
However, reward prices may rise when cash fares increase. That means holiday travel isn’t always the best time to get extra value from your points.
Compare the cash price with the number of points required. Save your points for another trip if the redemption isn’t worthwhile.
If using rewards helps you avoid a costly cash purchase, it may still make sense.
What About Holiday Flight Delays?
Finding an affordable flight is only part of the planning process. Winter weather can also affect your holiday travel plans. Packing smart makes the trip smoother. Keep essentials—medications, chargers, travel documents, a change of clothes—in your carry‑on so you’re covered if your checked bag is delayed. Use packing cubes to stay organized, and stick to versatile clothing that layers well. If you’re bringing gifts, avoid wrapping them ahead of time since TSA may need to inspect them. A well‑packed carry‑on and a little planning go a long way toward a stress‑free holiday flight.
Snow, heavy rain, and thunderstorms can cause delays or missed connections. Busy airports may also experience disruptions during peak travel periods.
When possible, choose an earlier flight rather than the last flight of the day. This gives you more options if your plans change.
Allow extra time for connecting flights, especially when traveling through airports that often experience winter weather. Check your airline’s app for schedule updates before leaving home.
Travel insurance may also be worth considering for expensive trips. Review the policy carefully to understand which delays or cancellations it covers.
Connecting Hubs & Airports to Be Cautious About
Medium to frequent delays expected (AccuWeather)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- Salt Lake City (SLC)
- Denver (DEN)
- Atlanta (ATL)
- New Orleans (MSY)
- Charlotte (CLT)
Cities with Holiday Travel Occasional Issues
Intermittent delays possible
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Phoenix (PHX)
- Dallas (DFW)
- Houston (IAH/HOU)
- Orlando (MCO)
- Portland (PDX)
- Seattle (SEA)
- Washington (DCA/IAD)
- Philadelphia (PHL)
Is There a Best Day to Buy Holiday Flights?
You may have heard that Tuesday is the cheapest day to book a flight. However, recent Google data suggests that the day you purchase your ticket matters less than many people think.
Instead, focus on your departure date, return date, route, and available fares.
Set price alerts and compare several travel options. When you find a price that works for your budget, don’t feel pressured to keep waiting.
Airfare can change quickly, especially during the busy holiday season.
Plan for a More Affordable Holiday Trip
Holiday travel doesn’t have to break your budget. The key is to start comparing flights early and stay flexible whenever possible.
For Thanksgiving, October is an important time to shop for airfare. For Christmas, start looking in late October and early November.
Compare nearby airports, consider weekday flights, and track prices before making your decision. These small steps can help you spend less on airfare and more on the people and experiences that matter most.
Whether you’re heading home for the holidays or planning a festive getaway, a little preparation can make your trip easier and more affordable.
Happy travels from Roaming My Planet!
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