Google Flights Reveals Best Times to Book Holiday Travel

According to a recent analysis of five years of Google Flights data, the best time to book holiday airfare in the US is still a few weeks away. For Thanksgiving flights, Google recommends booking 34 days before departure, with the lowest fares appearing between 21 and 57 days ahead. For Christmas travel, the optimal booking window is 56 days prior, with prices dropping between 33 and 67 days before departure.

Google’s broader advice includes booking domestic flights 39 days before departure (within a 22- to 57-day range) and international flights 89 days in advance (or between 50 and 133 days prior). The data also suggests that the cheapest fares for European travel appear 90 days out, while flights to Mexican and Caribbean destinations are lowest 43 days before departure.

For those looking to save on flights, Google advises departing on a Monday and returning on a Tuesday or Wednesday, which can save about 14% compared to weekend flights. Additionally, choosing connecting flights can avoid the average 20% premium on nonstop flights, though this increases the risk of delays or cancellations.

The analysis also debunks the idea of booking flights on a specific day of the week, showing only a 1.4% savings when booking on a Wednesday versus a Sunday. The trending travel destinations for the holidays include warm destinations like Hilo, HI, and Punta Gorda, FL for Thanksgiving, and international spots like Athens, Greece, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for Christmas.