Google Reveals Best Days to Book Holiday Flights for Cheaper Fares

Google has unveiled insights on the best times to book flights for the upcoming holiday season, based on five years of aggregated data from Google Flights fares. The analysis reveals that October is the optimal month to secure the lowest prices for both Thanksgiving and Christmas travel.

For Thanksgiving, the cheapest fares are typically found 34 days before departure, with the best price range spanning 21 to 57 days prior to the flight. Christmas bookings have shifted earlier this year, with the most affordable prices now appearing 56 days before departure, within a range of 33 to 67 days. This means the best deals for holiday travel fall between late October and mid-November, about five days earlier than last year.

Google also provided guidance for other travel periods. Spring break travelers can find the lowest prices 50 days before departure, with the best range being 29 to 64 days prior. Summer vacationers will see the cheapest bookings 21 days before takeoff, within a range of 20 to 47 days.

The company debunked the myth that booking on a Tuesday yields lower fares, noting that Wednesdays actually offer slightly better deals, though the difference is minimal. Google advised focusing more on travel dates than booking days, suggesting that departing on a Monday and returning on a Tuesday or Wednesday can save up to 14% compared to weekend flights. Additionally, opting for connecting flights over nonstop routes can save passengers about 20% on average.