If you’re planning on visiting family this holiday season, now is the time to book for affordable flights. From now until October 31, airline prices will be at their lowest, with prices creeping up around $3 a day until two weeks before Christmas, when prices jump exponentially.
You already know it’s the most expensive time of year to fly, but with a bit of planning and a good amount of flexibility, holiday travel doesn’t need to leave you in debt. Here are some tips to get the best prices you can on holiday travel.
Travel at odd dates or times
If your schedule allows, give yourself a buffer and extend your trip before and after the holiday, which can end up saving you hundreds of dollars. For example, the cheapest day to fly for Christmas travel is Tuesday, December 18. The cheapest to fly home is Friday, December 28. If you’re really looking for a good deal, fly home on December 25. For Thanksgiving, the most affordable tickets (that come with emptier airports) will be for the weekend before the holiday and the week after.
Also, the first flight in the morning (think 5 a.m.) is going to be a lot cheaper than the one at noon. If you don’t care about getting to the airport at an obnoxiously early hour, the morning flight may be best for you and your wallet.
Set travel alerts
Sites like Hopper and Google Flights will send you alerts to when ticket prices change and seats open up. If you are traveling solo—or don’t mind booking last minute with a family—this will help you find last-minute deals that often come up during the holidays.
Know when to book
At this stage in the game, Thanksgiving is going to be pricey. If you book your tickets between now and Halloween, you’re going to get the cheapest prices available. For Christmas, it’s best to buy tickets before December.
Again, your holiday travel schedule and flexibility will determine the actual price you will pay, but making your final plans in October is the best way to save money, especially if hotel accommodations and car rentals are also needed.
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